The biological roots of the vampire
The history and science of werewolves
The colonial origins of the zombie
The deep-sea roots of ocean monsters
What genetic blood disorder causes extreme sunlight sensitivity and receding gums?
What infectious lung disease was mistaken for vampirism in 19th-century America?
renaissanceman Sort ancient myths and medical facts to discover the real origins of history's scariest monsters.
renaissanceman A rare genetic blood disorder explains why legendary vampires fear the sunlight.
In 1892, which Rhode Island girl's grave was exhumed during the New England vampire panic?
renaissanceman Biological Roots of Vampires
They thought a monster was stealing their breath—(it was TB!) / Oh, it was only disease—(only TB!)
renaissanceman A historic rabies outbreak in the 1700s fueled terrifying vampire rumors.
Which Romanian region is historically associated with the home of Vlad the Impaler?
Vampire bats: Vampire bats were named after the mythical monsters, not the other way around.
Before vampire bats were discovered by Europeans, where did the word 'vampire' originate?
Which viral disease epidemic in 1720s Eastern Europe contributed to vampire folklore?
A group of rare, inherited disorders characterized by the abnormal buildup of chemicals called porphyrins in the body, often causing skin sensitivity to sunlight. In 1985, biochemist David Dolphin proposed that this metabolic condition inspired European myths about vampires.