Spooky Science Night

At the crossroads of science and anthropology lie eerie historical accounts of zombies, vampires, and witches — threads of supernatural lore woven in an effort to understand our natural world. On October 22, we’re uncovering the science behind the superstitions. Join us... if you dare.

Content note: These talks delve into spooky subjects and may not be suitable for all.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things: Torture Over Time

Think medieval torture was just senseless brutality? Think again. Dive into the laws that demanded it, the medicine that enabled it, and the logic — however twisted — that justified it.

Hungry for Brains? Neanderthal Cannibalism Dissected

Scattered across Ice Age sites, Neanderthal bones bear puzzling cut marks or even signs of opened brain cases. Through the latest archaeological discoveries, we’ll explore what these eerie traces reveal about our closest extinct relatives, from survival strategies to mortuary practices.

To the Grave: The Archaeology of Poland’s Anti-Vampiric Ritual Burials

Hollywood’s modern take on sparkling vampires doesn’t  measure up to the terrifying monsters that were believed to rise from the dead in 17th century Poland. Join Tanyin Watson to investigate the vampire superstition and anti-vampiric ritual burials of post-medieval Poland.