What evidence supports beliefs in vampires across Europe?

The belief in vampires across Europe is significantly supported by archaeological discoveries of atypical burials. These burials often show individuals who were interred in ways that suggest they were thought to pose a threat after death, such as being buried with heavy stones on their chests or with their limbs restrained. In some cases, remains indicate the individual had been treated in a way that reflects local customs or fears related to the undead. For instance, the presence of decapitated bodies or those buried in unusual positions aligns with historical accounts of vampire folklore, where certain practices were believed to prevent the dead from rising or becoming malevolent spirits.

This archaeological evidence is crucial because it provides concrete, physical manifestations of the fears and beliefs surrounding vampires, complementing the narratives found in folklore and historical texts. While folklore tales and accounts from diaries do contribute to our understanding of vampire mythos, the direct evidence from burials presents a more definitive link between societal beliefs and the actual practices regarding death and burial, thereby reinforcing the existence of vampire lore in European cultures.