A case study on how easily “vampire” burials spread without fact-checking.
Category: History
Vampire Burial Uncovered in Romania? The Strange Case of Grave 42
An “unusual” burial was recently unearthed in Romania. One reporter claims the “remains are suspected as the vampire myth.” Is she right?
Interview with Daniela Diaconescu, Vice-President of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula
The Transylvanian Society of Dracula recently celebrated its 25th anniversary—but there have been some major shake-ups in the last several months.
Bloody Nonsense: How Two Scholars Pulled Off the Great Dracula Swindle
In celebration of World Dracula Day, we’ve taken a look at claims made about Vlad Dracula’s table manners.
Does MS.2801 Reveal the First Appearance of Vampires in English?
The earliest appearance of vampires in English is found in the London Journal’s March 11, 1732 issue in its discussion of the famous Arnold Paul case. Or is it? Anthony Hogg discusses another possible candidate.
Elizabeth Báthory’s Blood Baths: Separating Myth from Reality
Did Elizabeth Báthory (1560–1614), the infamous “Vampire Countess,” bathe in the blood of virgins to make herself more youthful? Romina Nicolaides dips into one of history’s most enduring and widespread legends.
Was Vlad Dracula a Vampire?
According to a 15th century poem, Vlad Dracula liked to dip his bread in the blood of his victims. Or did he? Was he really a “living vampire,” as two Dracula scholars claimed, or is there more to the story?