Full Name: Countess Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed
Profession: Most Prolific FemaleSerial Killer in History
Biography: Elizabeth Báthory is infamous for allegedly torturing and killing hundreds of young women.
Báthory was born into a powerful family in 1560 and received an education uncommon for women of her time. In 1575, she married Ferenc Nádasdy in a political arrangement. The couple acquired Csejte Castle, where Báthory was later accused of committing her crimes. While her husband was away at war, she managed their extensive estates.
Between 1590 and 1610, Báthory allegedly tortured and killed numerous young women. The exact number of victims is disputed, with some claims reaching as high as 650. These accusations led to her arrest in 1610 by Palatine György Thurzó.
Following her arrest, Báthory was confined to Csejte Castle without a formal trial. Her servants were tortured and executed based on their confessions. Báthory remained in confinement until her death in 1614.
The veracity of the accusations against Báthory remains a subject of debate. Some historians suggest the charges may have been politically motivated, while others believe in her guilt. This uncertainty has contributed to her enduring legacy in folklore and popular culture.
Báthory's story has inspired numerous works of fiction and media, with "blood bath" legend associated with her first appearing in print in 1729. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the Guinness World Records lists her as the most prolific female murderer in history.
Born:August 7,1560
Birthplace: Nyírbátor, Hungary
Star Sign:Leo
Historical Events
- 1610-12-30 Hungarian aristocrat Elizabeth Báthory arrested at Csejte Castle on suspicion of killing and torturing hundreds of young girls and women
- 1611-01-07 Trial of Hungarian aristocrat Elizabeth Báthory for killing and torturing hundreds of young women, later sentenced to house arrest for the rest of her life
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