Matteo Borrini

Forensic Facial Approximation and Archaeology: the case of Carmilla, the «Vampire of Venice»

Introduction

Forensic facial approximation and archaeology: the case of carmilla, the «vampire of venice». Uncover Carmilla, the "Vampire of Venice," through forensic facial approximation and archaeology. Explore 16th-century plague beliefs, historical superstitions, and interdisciplinary cultural insights.

Abstract

In 2006 an archaeological excavation on Lazzaretto Nuovo Island (Venice, Italy) uncovered an anomalous grave dated by stratigraphic evidence to the 1576 plague pandemic. The human remains (ID 6) were interred with a brick placed in the mouth, indicative of historical practices against «undead» and vampires. A multidisciplinary study incorporating forensic, anthropological, folkloric, and chemical analyses reconstructed the life and death of this individual, informally named Carmilla. Facial approximation,performed using rigorous forensic techniques on a 3D-printed replica of the skull, brought Carmilla's visage to life for a National Geographic documentary. This comprehensive investigation underscores the integration of various scientific disciplines to demystifyhistorical superstitions, shedding light on the societal reactions to plague pandemics and the resulting folklore. The case of Carmilla exemplifies how forensic science and archaeology can collaboratively reconstruct and humanize historical narratives, providing profound insights into the cultural and biological history of past populations. The study demonstrates the importance of using interdisciplinary approaches to understand the complexities of human history and superstitious beliefs.

Review

This paper presents a fascinating and highly original interdisciplinary study, leveraging the compelling case of "Carmilla, the 'Vampire of Venice'," to explore historical responses to plague and superstition. The abstract effectively conveys the study's ambition to humanize a historical figure, demystify archaic beliefs, and illustrate the profound societal impact of pandemics. The integration of forensic facial approximation with archaeological, anthropological, folkloric, and chemical analyses promises a unique and holistic lens through which to examine a remarkable archaeological discovery. The premise alone, connecting a specific grave to historical practices against the "undead," is captivating and immediately draws the reader in. A significant strength lies in the meticulous application of diverse scientific techniques to reconstruct the individual's life and death. The use of rigorous forensic facial approximation performed on a 3D-printed skull replica stands out as a particularly powerful and innovative tool, effectively "bringing Carmilla's visage to life" and making a complex historical narrative tangible and relatable. This forensic reconstruction, coupled with the archaeological context of the brick found in the mouth, provides compelling evidence for historical anti-"undead" practices during the 1576 plague. The multidisciplinary approach is not merely stated but demonstrated through the synthesis of stratigraphic dating, chemical analyses, and anthropological insights, promising a comprehensive understanding of the individual's story. Beyond the specific case, this research offers profound insights into the cultural and biological history of past populations, particularly concerning the psychological and social ramifications of pandemics and the genesis of folklore. It powerfully exemplifies how forensic science, when integrated with archaeological and historical research, can transcend mere scientific data to offer a deeply human perspective on historical events and beliefs. The success in engaging a wider audience, as evidenced by the National Geographic documentary, further underscores the paper's potential to bridge academic research with significant public interest. Ultimately, the case of Carmilla serves as an exemplary model for the indispensable role of interdisciplinary approaches in unraveling the intricate tapestry of human history and challenging our understanding of superstitious phenomena.

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