Ep 9. Vampire Skeletons Mystery

Deep in the heart of Bulgaria lies a mystery that has puzzled archaeologists and historians for centuries: vampire skeletons. In National Geographic Documentaries season 2012, episode 9, "Vampire Skeletons Mystery," viewers are taken on a thrilling journey to unravel this enigma.

The episode opens with an introduction to the folklore surrounding vampires - creatures said to be cursed to roam the earth, feasting on the blood of the living. From Bram Stoker's "Dracula" to modern-day pop culture, vampires have been a subject of fascination for centuries. But what if vampires were real? That's the question at the heart of this episode.

We are introduced to a team of archaeologists working on a dig site in Bulgaria. They have made a startling discovery: a skeleton with a stake through its heart. This is a telltale sign of a vampire burial. But is it really proof that vampires existed? The team begins to investigate.

Through interviews with experts in folklore, history, and archaeology, viewers are given a crash course on the legends of vampires. From Egyptian mythology to Slavic folklore, vampires take on different forms and meanings in different cultures. The team scours through historical documents, examining burial records and accounts of vampire sightings to try and piece together the puzzle.

As the investigation continues, the team uncovers more and more evidence of vampire burials. But it's not just the presence of stakes that make these burials unusual - the skeletons are often buried in unconventional positions, with their mouths sewn shut or their hands tied behind their backs. The team speculates that these were measures taken to prevent the undead from rising from their graves.

But there's more to this mystery than just the burial practices. The team also looks at the physical evidence of the skeletons themselves. Are there really any telltale signs of vampirism? The team examines the teeth of the skeletons, looking for evidence of elongated canines. They also look for any signs of anemia or other blood-related disorders that might have contributed to the vampire mythos.

The investigation takes us to remote villages in Bulgaria, where people still believe in the existence of vampires. The team speaks to locals who share their own stories of encounters with the undead. Some claim to have seen vampires with their own eyes, while others believe that they are still being haunted by the ghosts of loved ones who were believed to be vampires.

As the episode draws to a close, the team comes to a surprising conclusion about the vampire skeletons. Without spoiling the ending, viewers will be left with a sense of wonder and awe at the mysterious and strange world that we live in.

"Vampire Skeletons Mystery" is a fascinating episode that will appeal to anyone interested in history, folklore, or the supernatural. The National Geographic team has done an excellent job of presenting the evidence in an objective and scientific way, while still leaving room for the audience to draw their own conclusions. Whether or not you believe in vampires, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.