Who Was Elizabeth Báthory?
Elizabeth Báthory was a Hungarian noblewoman born in 1560 in the Kingdom of Hungary. She is widely regarded as one of history’s most prolific female serial killers. She lived in Čachtice Castle and managed large estates with her husband and children.
Crimes and Victims
Between the late 1580s and early 1610s, Elizabeth Báthory and her accomplices tortured and murdered numerous young women. Historical records and trial documents describe beatings, burnings, and mutilations. The exact victim count is debated, but estimates range from dozens to over 60.
Arrest, Trial, and Legacy
In 1610, authorities investigated after complaints from local nobles. Elizabeth Báthory was arrested and confined to her castle, where she died in 1614. Her case became a lasting part of folklore and criminal history. For more context on early modern European crime, see this overview from Britannica.
