The Vampire Timeline 1500-1900
1500 - 1600
1560: The birth of Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory marks the beginning of a new era in vampire history. Known as the "Blood Countess," Bathory is widely regarded as one of the most notorious and feared vampires in history. Her thirst for blood and brutal methods of torture have cemented her place in infamy, and her legacy continues to haunt the imaginations of people to this day. Despite being born into a noble family, Bathory's dark desires and violent tendencies led her down a path of destruction and terror.
In 1562, the small village of Poljica in Croatia experienced a terrifying event that would change its history forever. A group of undead creatures, believed to be vampires, had begun terrorizing the town, attacking and killing its inhabitants. In response, the townspeople banded together to hunt down and eliminate the threat. This marked the first documented instance of vampires being hunted and killed in Europe, and the successful effort in Poljica set a precedent for future vampire hunts.
1600-1700
1610: Elizabeth Bathory, also known as the "Blood Countess," was a Hungarian noblewoman who was tried and convicted of killing several hundred young girls in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. She was known for her obsession with maintaining her youth and beauty, and was rumored to have bathed in the blood of her victims in order to achieve this. Despite her gruesome crimes, she was sentenced to life imprisonment, a punishment that was considered lenient for the time. She remained in captivity until her death, and her legacy continues to be shrouded in mystery and controversy.
In 1614, notorious countess Elizabeth Bathory, who had been charged with the murder of hundreds of girls, finally met her end. She was sentenced to life imprisonment, and died in her cell, ending one of the most infamous and gruesome chapters in vampire history.
In 1645, Leo Allatius, a cleric of the Greek Church, wrote De quorundam Graecorum Opinationibus, a treatise that contained explanations of the vrykolakas, or vampires. This text helped to shed light on the beliefs and practices surrounding vampires in the Greek community at the time. The publication of this work also contributed to the widespread fear and fascination with vampires in Europe.
In 1679, Phillip Rohr, a German scholar, wrote a vampire text titled De Masticatione Mortuorum, shedding light on the eerie world of the undead. This marked an important moment in vampire history, as it was one of the first texts to delve into the mysterious and terrifying realm of vampires. The text, written in Latin, offered a unique perspective on the creatures and their behavior, providing insight into their origins and habits. It was a pioneering work that paved the way for further research and exploration into the world of vampires.
In the early 18th century, a soldier named Arnold Paole terrorized the town of Meduegna in modern-day Serbia. He claimed to have been attacked by a vampire while serving in the military and subsequently turned into one himself. Paole began a vampiric rampage, preying on the townspeople and spreading fear and panic throughout the community. It is said that he was eventually discovered and killed, but not before he had caused significant destruction and horror. This terrifying episode in vampire history serves as a reminder of the destructive power of these mythical creatures.
In 1734, the word "vampyre" made its way into the English language. This marks the first recorded usage of the term in the English language, and it quickly became associated with the undead creatures we now know as vampires. The term "vampyre" was derived from the Greek word "upir," which was used to describe a type of demon or evil spirit. As the fear of vampires grew in Europe, the term "vampyre" became more widely used, and it eventually gave rise to the modern word "vampire."
In 1748, a revolutionary poem was published that would change the way people thought about vampires forever. "Der Vampir" was a haunting and beautiful work of art that introduced the world to the modern conception of the vampire as a seductive and dangerous creature. This poem was a turning point in vampire literature, and it would inspire countless works in the centuries to come.
1700-1800
Lord Byron's epic poem "The Giaour" was published in 1813, and it featured a vampire character named Lara. The poem tells the story of a love triangle between Lara, the Giaour, and Leila. As the story progresses, the reader learns that Lara is a vampire who has been cursed to live forever, and she must feed on the blood of others in order to survive. This depiction of vampires as cursed and dangerous creatures was a common theme in literature of the time, and it helped to fuel the fear of vampires that was widespread in Europe.
In 1819, John Polidori's "The Vampyre" was published, becoming the first vampire story in the English language. This Gothic tale introduced readers to the character of Lord Ruthven, a charming but sinister figure who preys upon innocent women. With its dark and atmospheric setting, "The Vampyre" set the stage for many of the classic vampire tales that would follow.
Varney, the Vampire; or, The Feast of Blood is a serialized gothic novel that was published in 1845-1847. It is considered an important early work of vampire literature, and is cited as a possible influence on Bram Stoker's Dracula. The novel tells the story of Sir Francis Varney, a vampiric character who terrorizes a family in England. It is notable for its use of Gothic elements and for its depiction of vampires as complex, multi-dimensional characters.
In 1847, Bram Stoker was born in Dublin, Ireland. He would go on to become one of the most influential authors of the 19th century, and his work would have a lasting impact on the world of vampires. Stoker's most famous work, "Dracula," was published in 1897, and it introduced the world to the iconic vampire Count Dracula. The novel was a huge success, and it helped to cement the modern conception of vampires in the public imagination. Stoker's work would go on to inspire countless other vampire stories, and his legacy continues to live on in the modern world.
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu is a pioneering work of vampire fiction that was published in 1871. The novella tells the story of a young woman named Laura who becomes friends with a mysterious girl named Carmilla, who is revealed to be a vampire. The novella explores themes of same-sex attraction, victimhood, and the seductive power of the vampire, and is considered one of the earliest examples of the lesbian vampire subgenre. Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu was extremely influential in the development of vampire fiction, and has been credited with helping to establish many of the conventions of the genre that are still in use today. The novella was widely read and discussed during the 19th century, and continues to be studied and appreciated by fans of vampire fiction. It is a testament to the enduring power of Le Fanu's storytelling and the timeless appeal of the vampire myth.
Bram Stoker's Dracula is a novel that has captivated readers for over a century. Published in 1897, the book tells the story of the infamous vampire Count Dracula and his attempts to move from Transylvania to England. Stoker's novel, which is considered a classic in the horror genre, has been adapted into countless movies, plays, and other works of art. Despite being over a hundred years old, Dracula remains one of the most popular and enduring tales of vampires in history.