Bulgaria stands as one of Europe's most compelling destinations for vampire folklore enthusiasts, where Josh Gates uncovered centuries-old burial practices designed to keep the undead at bay. This Eastern European nation harbors some of the world's most authentic vampire legends, rooted in genuine archaeological evidence and deeply embedded cultural traditions. From ancient skeletal remains with iron stakes through their hearts to villages where vampire beliefs still persist today, Bulgaria offers an unparalleled glimpse into the historical origins of our most enduring supernatural fears.
Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe covering 110,994 square kilometres, bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. In the "Hunting Vampires" episode of Expedition Unknown, Josh Gates explored Bulgaria's rich tradition of vampire folklore and anti-vampire burial practices that date back centuries. The investigation focused on archaeological sites containing evidence of ritualistic burials designed to prevent the dead from rising. Bulgaria's vampire legends are deeply rooted in the country's complex history, spanning from ancient Thracian cultures through centuries of Ottoman rule, creating a unique blend of pagan and Christian burial traditions that Gates sought to understand.
Karanovo culture establishes one of the earliest societies in the region
First Bulgarian Empire established and recognized by treaty with Byzantine Empire
Bulgaria falls under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries
Bulgaria declares independence from Ottoman Empire
Gates investigates vampire folklore and anti-vampire burial sites for Expedition Unknown
Bulgaria's vampire folklore is taken seriously by archaeologists who have documented numerous "anti-vampire" burials throughout the country. These burials typically involve iron stakes driven through the chest, heavy stones placed on the body, or bodies positioned face-down — all methods believed to prevent the deceased from rising. The practices appear to span from medieval times through the Ottoman period, suggesting these beliefs persisted across major cultural and religious transitions.
Scholars generally attribute the vampire tradition to a combination of factors: misunderstood decomposition processes, fears surrounding plague and disease, and the blending of pre-Christian Slavic beliefs with later Christian traditions. The First Bulgarian Empire's development of the Cyrillic script helped preserve and spread these legends in written form. Archaeological evidence shows that anti-vampire burial practices were not isolated superstitions but widespread customs that cut across social classes, with both peasants and higher-status individuals receiving such treatment.
The vampire folklore of Bulgaria and neighboring Romania became internationally famous through Bram Stoker's Dracula, though the fictional vampire bears little resemblance to Slavic folklore traditions. In traditional Bulgarian belief, vampires were typically bloated, ruddy corpses rather than aristocratic figures, and the methods of dealing with them were community practices rather than the work of specialized hunters. Gates' investigation examined these authentic traditions rather than Hollywood interpretations.
The episode contributed to public understanding of how vampire legends emerge from real cultural anxieties and burial practices. While Gates explored the archaeological evidence and consulted with experts on Bulgarian folklore, the investigation acknowledged that many questions about why specific individuals received anti-vampire burials remain unanswered. The episode presented the phenomenon as a fascinating intersection of archaeology, folklore studies, and cultural history rather than pursuing supernatural explanations.
Bulgaria is the sixteenth-largest country in Europe by area, covering 110,994 square kilometres
The First Bulgarian Empire developed the Cyrillic script, which significantly influenced Slavic cultures across Eastern Europe
The country was under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries, from 1396 until independence in 1908
Bulgaria became a socialist state under Soviet influence in 1946, transitioning to democracy after the revolutions of 1989
Bulgaria is generally accessible to international visitors, with major archaeological and historical sites throughout the country open to tourists. Sofia, Plovdiv, and coastal cities like Varna serve as bases for exploring the country's rich cultural heritage. Specific vampire-related archaeological sites may require local guides or special arrangements, as many are active research locations rather than developed tourist attractions.
Sofia, the capital and largest city, serves as the primary gateway to Bulgaria's historical and archaeological sites.
Spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring Bulgaria's historical sites without summer crowds. Winter can be cold, particularly in mountainous regions, though coastal areas remain relatively mild.
Romania
Romania shares Slavic vampire folklore traditions and was also part of the broader Eastern European cultural sphere that developed similar supernatural beliefs
Istanbul
Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) was the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires that ruled Bulgaria for centuries, shaping its cultural development
Poland
Poland is another Eastern European country where Gates has investigated historical mysteries, sharing similar periods of cultural and political transformation
Best time to visit: Visit during late spring through early fall (May-September) when weather conditions are ideal for exploring outdoor archaeological sites and rural villages.
Travel tip: Hire a local guide familiar with vampire folklore locations, as many significant sites are in remote villages not easily accessible through standard tourist channels.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia