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The Face of a 'Vampire' Revealed: Reconstructed Image of a 400-Year-Old Skeleton

Published February 9, 2026, 12:17
The Face of a 'Vampire' Revealed: Reconstructed Image of a 400-Year-Old Skeleton

Scientists have managed to reconstruct the face of a man who was beheaded 400 years ago in Croatia, as he was believed to be a 'vampire'. The reconstruction was based on remains found at the Raseta fortress, where the body had been exhumed, beheaded, and reburied face down – a practice common to prevent the resurrection of 'vampires'. Archaeologists discovered that the man had suffered violent attacks during his lifetime, one of which had disfigured his face. This disfigurement, combined with his lifestyle, could have caused fear and social exclusion, leading to the belief that he was a 'vampire'. According to folklore, individuals who died violently or were considered sinful were at risk of becoming 'vampires'. Practices followed to prevent their return to life included beheading, burning, and burying face down. The facial reconstruction was performed using a CT scan of the skull and data from volunteers to estimate tissue thickness. This process allowed scientists to reveal the face of a man who, due to the fear and prejudices of his time, was considered a 'vampire'.