Italy dig unearths female 'vampire' in Venice

An archaeological dig near Venice has unearthed the 16th-century remains of a woman with a brick stuck between her jaws -- evidence, experts say, that she was believed to be a vampire. The unusual burial is thought to be the result of an ancient vampire-slaying ritual. It suggests the legend of the mythical bloodsucking creatures was tied to medieval ignorance of how diseases spread and what happens to bodies after death, experts said.

An undated handout photo from the University of Florence shows the remains of a female "vampire" from 16th-century Venice. Italian researchers believe they have found the remains of a female "vampire" from 16th-century Venice, buried with a brick in her mouth to prevent her feasting on plague victims. Matteo Borrini, a forensic anthropologist from the University of Florence, said the discovery was the first confirmation of a Medieval belief that vampires were behind the spread of epidemics, such as the Black Death.

Forensic anthropologist Matteo Borrini from the University of Florence and his researchers believe they have found the remains of a female "vampire" from 16th-century Venice, buried with a brick in her mouth to prevent her feasting on plague victims. Borrini said the discovery was the first confirmation of a Medieval belief that vampires were behind the spread of epidemics, such as the Black Death.

source: REUTERS