Unexpected medieval child burial found in Hungarian archaeological excavation

The largest archaeological excavation in Visegrád’s history has yielded extraordinary findings, including a recent discovery at the site of the former Franciscan church near the Visegrád Royal Palace. The dig has uncovered dozens of skeletons, likely belonging to monks and civilians, dating primarily between the early 15th and mid-16th centuries.

A remarkable discovery in the church nave

Archaeologists found an unusual cluster of tombs near the sanctuary in the church’s nave, Helló Magyar said. What was expected to be the resting place of an adult unexpectedly revealed a child’s skeleton, wrapped in a shroud without a coffin. Just below the child’s right femur, the outline of a larger object appeared. Upon careful excavation, archaeologists identified this as a well-preserved iron padlock, typical of 16th-century design. Additionally, a fist-sized stone was discovered near the child’s skull, close to the mouth.

Deeper excavation of the pit revealed the skeleton of an adult buried without a coffin, showing signs of severe degenerative issues that would have significantly restricted mobility. Interestingly, a second padlock was found on the adult’s right foot.

Uncovering medieval superstitions

The presence of these padlocks suggests the influence of medieval superstitions. In that period, padlocks were believed to secure the dead within their graves, preventing their spirits from returning to the living world. This belief was closely linked to legends of vampires. In Hungary, such spirits were called “nora,” a vampire-like creature believed to rise from an unbaptised child’s grave and draw blood or milk from the sleeping, weakening them over time.

The two skeletons—an adult and a child—buried together and secured with padlocks may suggest a connection. Scholars speculate they may have been related and, due to possible physical or mental conditions, might have been feared, prompting burial measures to prevent their return. Additionally, the stone fragment near the child’s mouth could support this vampire lore, hinting that it may have originally been placed intentionally.

Further research and the Visegrád Renaissance

This discovery is just one part of the Visegrád Renaissance development programme, initiated in 2021. Led by experts from the Hungarian National Museum’s National Archaeological Institute and the King Matthias Museum, the project aims to recreate the Royal Palace and castle system in the Renaissance style of King Matthias’ era. Over the coming years, the Lower Castle, Solomon’s Tower, valley wall, moat, and the entire Visegrád Citadel will undergo extensive restoration and revitalisation.

Read more:

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• Remarkable 15th-century sword discovered in Hungary during archaeological excavation – PHOTOS