Roadtrippers is reporting that Erika Stella, a student doing her dissertation on Naples’ Santa Maria la Nova Church, is convinced that a headstone on a grave belongs to none other than the 15th century Prince Vlad Tepes III, the man who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

According to history, Tepes’ cruelty and domination was very well-documented except for his final days. In 1476, all knowledge of his whereabouts ceases. Some say he died in battle while others say he was taken prisoner. Some scholars believe that Tepes was the ransomed to his daughter who lived in Naples, where he spent the rest of his days.

Researchers noticed that the tomb at the Santa Maria la Nova Church is covered with Transylvanian symbols, as noticed by Raffaello Glinni, a Medieval history scholar.

Glinni states:

When you look at the bas-relief sculptures, the symbolism is obvious. The dragon means Dracula and the two opposing sphinxes represent the city of Thebes, also known as Tepes. In these symbols, the very name of the count Dracula Tepes is written.

So, what’s next for these researchers? Why, opening the grave, of course! These researchers are asking authorities for permission to open the grave to verify their findings.

Below are some photographs of the site.