Peter Plogojowitz (1725): The Kisilova Vampire Case and the Imperial Provisor’s Report

The History and Background

In the early eighteenth century, the village of Kisilova in Banat, then part of the Habsburg Empire (now Romania), was rocked by a series of mysterious deaths that would become one of the most infamous vampire cases in European folklore. The village, located in the region known for its rich history of supernatural beliefs and occurrences, found itself at the center of an intense investigation ordered by Prince Eugene of Savoy himself.

Key Events or Sightings

The First Incidents

On 29 October 1724, three individuals from Kisilova—Marianne Scurceac, Teodosia Cucu, and Agnesa Gherghe—died within a span of two days. Each of these deaths was initially attributed to natural causes, but the villagers remained suspicious.

The Investigation Begins

On 27 January 1725, Prince Eugene of Savoy sent an Imperial Provisor, Johann Franz Haidt, to investigate the reported vampire activity in Kisilova and surrounding villages. Haidt’s task was not only to gather evidence but also to dispel any superstitions and prevent further panic.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

The Body of Plogojowitz

On 29 January 1725, Johann Franz Haidt exhumed the body of Peter Plogojowitz, a local farmer who had died on 30 December 1724. Upon opening his grave, Haidt found that the deceased was in an unusually good state of preservation for someone who had only recently passed away. More disturbingly, the corpse exhibited signs of violent trauma, with its head partially severed and internal organs exposed.

The Presence of Blood

Haidt noted several instances where blood appeared to be oozing from Plogojowitz’s body, even after being reburied. This was a common belief in vampire lore, as it was thought that vampires could not decompose fully because their bodies were still “actively” feeding on human life.

Investigations or Research

The Exhumation and Examination

The exhumation of Plogojowitz’s body was meticulously documented by Haidt. He recorded the presence of a wound around his neck, suggesting that he had been attacked while sleeping. Additionally, the discovery of his heart still in its proper place indicated that it had not been removed, which some believed to be necessary for vampires.

The Villagers’ Testimony

Local villagers provided detailed accounts of Plogojowitz’s behavior during his life. They claimed that he was a thief and that many of his victims were found dead or suffering from strange symptoms just before their deaths. These testimonies, combined with the physical evidence from his exhumed body, bolstered the case against him.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

The Verdict

In May 1725, after a thorough investigation, Johann Franz Haidt reported to Prince Eugene that Peter Plogojowitz was indeed guilty of vampirism. The report detailed the findings and recommended that his body be burnt to ashes as a preventative measure against further supernatural occurrences.

Legacy and Aftermath

The case of Peter Plogojowitz became infamous throughout Europe, fueling both fear and fascination with vampires. Despite the scientific advancements of the time, many villagers remained convinced that their lives were still at risk from the undead, leading to increased vigilance and, in some cases, further exhumations.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Was Peter Plogojowitz’s case the first documented vampire incident?

A: While not the very first, Plogojowitz’s case is one of the earliest documented instances of vampirism investigated by a high-ranking official. It provided a detailed account that was later referenced in various historical texts and folklore studies.

Q: How did Prince Eugene respond to Haidt’s report?

A: Prince Eugene took Haidt’s report seriously and implemented preventative measures. He ordered the burning of Plogojowitz’s body, ensuring that the ashes were scattered, thus destroying any supposed vampire powers he might have retained.

Q: Were there any other notable cases similar to Plogojowitz’s in this period?

A: Yes, several other cases from the early 1700s were reported, such as those of Arnold Paole and Martinus Storoneus. These cases often involved exhumations and public demonstrations that were intended to debunk vampire myths.

Q: How did Haidt’s investigation impact local superstitions?

A: While Haidt’s thorough documentation aimed to dispel superstitions, the case likely intensified beliefs in vampires among some of the more superstitious villagers. However, it also provided a basis for rational inquiry and skeptical investigation into supernatural claims.

Q: What lessons can we draw from this case today?

A: The Plogojowitz case highlights the importance of empirical evidence over superstition. It underscores how fear and misinformation can lead to extreme actions but also demonstrates that scientific and legal processes can help address such fears in a more rational manner.