The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

Most of the myths we have today about vampires had their origin in the Medieval Period. Two 12th century historians recorded accounts of revenants but otherwise account of vampiric beings after this are scant. Tales of vampires were mostly silent until the 18th century.

During the 18th century there was a dramatic increase in vampire sightings, especially in Eastern Europe. Frequently there were grave diggings and stakings of suspected vampires. Government officials often took part in these as well. Even though this was known as the Age of Enlightenment, beliefs in vampires rose to the point of mass hysteria throughout most of Europe.

In 1721 a panic began in East Prussia and spread to other communities. From this panic arose one of the first and most famous of vampire cases. The story revolves around Peter Plogojowitz of Serbia. The story says that one night in 1725, a knock came to the door of Peter's house around supper time. The stranger was allowed in and offered to sit at the table. The stranger asked for food but was refused. The next morning, Peter's was found dead with puncture marks on his neck. The surviving family believe the "stranger" was Peter's father who had died ten years earlier.

Cases such as this were common during this period. Government officials wrote case reports and published books on the subject. So much was the hysteria surrounding vampires, it became known as the "18th Century Vampire Controversy" It wasn't until physicians got involved that the vampire controversy was "put to rest". Laws were passed prohibiting the opening of graves and desecrating of bodies. Even so, vampire stories continue to live on in artistic works and local superstition.