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The Vampire Timeline Pre-1500

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The Baital Pachisi is a collection of fables written in Sanskrit by the scholar Bhavbhuti. The stories revolve around a king named Vikram and a vampire-like creature known as the Baital. In the tales, Vikram must capture the Baital and bring it to a sage, who will then be able to answer any question Vikram poses. However, the Baital is cunning and constantly tries to trick Vikram into releasing it. These fables are believed to have been written in the 730s CE.

The earliest recorded use of the word "upir" in relation to vampires can be found in a document from 1047. In this document, a Russian prince is referred to as "Upir Lichy," which translates to "wicked vampire." This is the first known instance of the use of the word "upir" in relation to vampires. Over time, the word "upir" evolved and gave rise to the modern Russian word for vampire, "upyr."

In the 11th century, William of Newburgh's "Chronicles" recorded several tales of vampire-like creatures known as revenants in England. These bloodthirsty beings were said to rise from the dead and terrorize the living, feeding on their blood and causing destruction in their wake. The Chronicles offer a glimpse into the folklore and superstitions of the time and serve as an important historical record of the fear and fascination surrounding vampires in England.

In 1428, the infamous Vlad Dracula was born in Transylvania. He would later become known as Vlad the Impaler for his brutal method of execution, which involved impaling his victims on sharp stakes. This dark figure would go on to inspire the legend of Count Dracula, leaving a lasting impact on both history and popular culture.

In 1431, Vlad Dracula ascended to the throne as the Prince of Wallachia, a region in present-day Romania. He became known for his brutal methods of punishment, including impalement, earning him the nickname "Vlad the Impaler." While the extent of his vampiric tendencies is debated, he has become a figure of fear and fascination in popular culture.

In 1462, Vlad Dracula met his untimely end in battle, bringing an end to his reign as Prince of Wallachia. Known for his ruthless tactics and impaling his enemies on stakes, Vlad Dracula was a notorious figure in Eastern European history. His death marked the end of an era, and his legacy has continued to fascinate and terrify people to this day.

In 1485, the publication of the Malleus Maleficarum sparked a widespread fear of vampires and other supernatural creatures throughout Europe. This treatise on witchcraft and demonology emphasized the dangers of these dark forces and urged individuals to take action against them. As a result, many people began to hunt and kill suspected vampires, leading to a rise in vampire folklore and legend.