The History Of Impalement: A Method Of Torture From Ancient To Reformation Times

When we think about impalement, we don’t necessarily associate it with bodies, or do we? Because of Vlad the Impaler, we know that at least one person used it obsessively, but what if I told you it is much older than Vlad?

How Old Is The Practice Of Impalement?

The history of impalement is torturous. It is an excruciating and irreversible method of execution. The classical practice consists of the penetration of a human body through a bottom orifice by an inanimate object such as a stake, pole, spear, or hook. The completion of the torture follows with the perforation at the other end of the object through the torso.

Impalement was often the sentence for crimes against the ‘state’ throughout numerous civilizations. It was a capital punishment reserved for horrid crimes of the time or era. However, death through impalement, due to its horrifying scenery, was also employed to implement fear and suppress the desire for rebellion against a leader.

OCD VampireMay 7, 2024Leave a comment

Experts, Middle Ages, Paula Phillips, Serial Killers & Murders

Germany’s Medieval Boogeyman Known As Peter Niers

Throughout history, humankind has encountered many murderers and people thirsty for the blood of innocents. Worldwide known names come to mind, but what about those in the shadows of the big names?

The Names We Know Of The Medieval Period

When you think of the evillest murderers of medieval times, there are specific names that come to mind that took over their centuries. They inspired fear so great that they branded their time with their names.

But if you mention the name Peter Niers, nobody would know who you are talking about. But this person deserves a place on those charts because he left his mark, so who is he, and what did he do?

NZGeekChicOctober 26, 2023October 25, 20231 Comment

Experts, Middle Ages, OCD Vampire, Witch History

Agnes Sampson, A Scottish Witch, Tortured To Death

The witch trials occurred when everyone could be a victim of accusations leading to torture and horrible deaths. But some of the worst stories of witchcraft lead to Scotland, and Agnes Sampson is one of them.

The History Of Agnes Sampson

Agnes Sampson was a widow and mother who lived in Scotland. She was mainly a healer and a midwife. There is little information on her life or documentation as a citizen because Agnes was the village’s healer and midwife. She was a kind person who kept to herself, most likely, but she was the perfect scapegoat: woman, older, widow, healer.

Why would King James VI need a scapegoat? As mentioned in the previous article about Scotland’s witch trials, the king’s voyage back to English territory was overlooked by a storm. His marriage to Anne of Denmark brought him to Scandinavian lands, and on their way back, the storm forced them to take refuge in Norway.

OCD VampireOctober 16, 2023October 15, 20231 Comment

Experts, Paranormal

The Eastern State Penitentiary, A Monument Of Failures

From all the haunted places we come across, some of them remind us that our past isn’t as spotless as we wished. Sometimes, we must remind ourselves where we come from to avoid repeating those mistakes. The Eastern State Penitentiary in the USA is one of them.

A Pioneer Of Its Time And A Little Dark

Eastern State Penitentiary, widely recognized as the pioneering institution in the realm of penal systems, was designed to evoke remorse from its incarcerated individuals, thereby allowing them to deeply reflect upon the misdeeds that resulted in their confinement.

Considered one of the most haunted sites in the US, Eastern State was not known for its ability to rehabilitate its prisoners.

hprettimanOctober 6, 2023October 6, 2023Leave a comment

Pilgrims Going To Church by George Henry Boughton

Experts, OCD Vampire

The Contradictions Of Increase Mather in The Salem Witch Trials

It is the Fall season, and here at Gothic Bite Magazine, we celebrate the Witch Age early for our Fall season, from September 1st to November 30th. So, let’s start this Witch Age Season with Increase Mather, an enemy of Witches!

Puritans Leading To The Salem Witch Trials

We all know about the Salem Witch trials of 1692. The darkest and most horrifying Witch trial in North America. It is also one of the darkest pages in the history of the United States of America.

In the State of Massachusetts, Salem was a more considerable territory and differently shaped and Puritans populated the village. But what do we know about Puritans? The term isn’t often used or is linked to the thought of pilgrims and the first colonies of what would become the United States.

OCD VampireSeptember 11, 2023September 10, 20233 Comments

Experts, Paula Phillips, YouTube

La Quintrala, A Chilean Drop Dead Gorgeous Beauty Killer

People don’t often think about women as serial killers, even less in aristocratic times. However, knowing it is a man’s world, only now do we discover women did more than first thought. How many women do YOU think got away with murder?

Only Men Can Be Serial Killers

When the general public hears the word ‘serial killer’ or a crime has been committed, more often than not, their minds will automatically go to seeing the criminal as a male.

That is often because eighty-five percent of serial killers are male, and only fifteen percent are female. Also, women don’t seem to be in it for publicity. However, regardless of gender, one is always motivated by a reason to kill. Then again, when it comes to women, the kills are more personal compared to men.

NZGeekChicMay 10, 2023May 9, 20231 Comment

Experts, OCD Vampire

Aurore The Child Martyr From Québec

Every town has its tales and its secrets. The most horrific tales are often well-guarded and found in the most obscure places. However, Fortierville wants the world to know that a tomb of a martyred child deserves your love.

Aurore The Child Martyr

When one grows up in the province of Québec, it doesn’t matter which town or metropolis you’re from; you hear the name Aurore, and you know everything. Quebecers don’t need more than ‘Aurore’ to know whom one is referring to.

The story of Aurore transcends time and defies any other legend or folktale. One may ask how and why; the answer is simple: the story has next to no exaggeration. That one story of a real little girl, a child, has been told from generation to generation throughout an entire province and yet, it’s always the same story.

OCD VampireJanuary 23, 20233 Comments

Experts, OCD Vampire, Reviews, YouTube

We All Know Henry VIII, But What Did The Tudors Series Teach Us?

Henry VIII had six wives, and his reputation for disposing of them is no secret, but when it comes to highlighting the days of his reign, one series comes to mind, The Tudors. Were they accurate?

The Official Summary Of The Tudors Series

The Showtime drama focuses on the early years of King Henry VIII‘s nearly 40-year reign, 1509-1547, of England. The series looks at Henry’s famous female companions like Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.

And delves into his relationships with important figures like Sir Thomas More, Cardinal Wosely—head of the Catholic Church of England during its break with Rome—and Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, who was Henry’s best friend and unofficial adviser.

OCD VampireDecember 5, 2022January 13, 20231 Comment

Experts, Paula Phillips

The First Witch Trial In The British Isles

In the history of witch trials, we can go as far back as the beginning of Christianity and later on Catholicism. Being part of the church didn’t even ensure your safety among your people. History is cruel to those who dare be just a little different.

Women And Witchcraft

Throughout history, we have read about the various women who, back in the early days, suffered persecution and accusation of witchcraft. When anything wrong seemed to happen, they were the ones to blame.

The women were at fault, and they viewed it as suspicious if it happened more than once. The suspicion turned towards the idea that the female must be at fault and a witch.

NZGeekChicNovember 30, 2022November 30, 20222 Comments

Experts, OCD Vampire, Reviews, YouTube

Knightfall Is The Underrated Medieval Series Deserving Of More Seasons

When I finished watching The Last Kingdom, I was looking desperately for something to satisfy my Dark Ages addiction. Knightfall showed up, and quickly I found myself hooked on the last years of the infamous Templars.

The Official Summary

In 1306, the Knights Templar were winding down their run as one of the most powerful organisations in the Christian world. Acre, the Templar’s last stronghold, has fallen, and years later, a rumour is heard that the lost Grail is still in that area.

The Templars, led by the courageous, headstrong, but noble Templar Knight Landry, have shifted their attention to regaining a foothold in the Holy Land. They take their battle back to the Holy Land, and their battles become the Crusades.

OCD VampireNovember 22, 2022January 13, 2023Leave a comment

Experts, OCD Vampire

The Moosham Castle The Cruelest Trial In Witch Hunt History

When we think about the European witch hunt, we think about the mediaeval period, but what if I told you one castle hosted children as its primary victims?

The Moosham Castle Purpose

The Austria spur castle can sit over a Roman fortress’ foundation. A spur castle is a term used to indicate a mediaeval fortress resting on the spur of a hill or mountain as a defence mechanism.

Another example is the Poenari Castle in Romania, which belonged to Vlad the Impaler. Usually, the only weakness of such a castle resides where the hill links to the spur from which it projects. It also means that the spur castle would have three sides by steep hillsides for the best protection.

OCD VampireNovember 16, 2022January 13, 20231 Comment

Experts, OCD Vampire

The Knights Templar Downfall At The Hands Of A French King

The Dark Ages weren’t magic. They were unforgiving. It was a time for kingdom divisions and assertions of power for lands. But Kings and Queens weren’t the only sources of power. So were the Church and their most powerful Order, the Knights Templar.

What Do We Know Of The Knights Templar?

I am an ancient history nerd. My favourite era is the Iron Age and the Dark Ages. Because of my passion for history, the Assassin’s Creed video game franchise from Ubisoft became an obsession of mine. Their accuracy and storytelling are compelling, and so are their villains.

The Assassin’s Creed might not be real in history—or maybe it is, and it’s all part of the conspiracy!—Joking aside, the assassins aren’t real, but the Knights Templar were and still exist to this day. Most of what we know about them comes from conspiracy theorists or fiction. In fact, the most accurate depiction of the Order comes from Assassin’s Creed and the History Channel series, Knightfall.

OCD VampireNovember 14, 2022January 13, 20231 Comment

Experts, Paula Phillips

The Rings Of Poison A History Of Murder

The history of jewellery is not always about embellishment or a sign of status in society but a weapon and these rings have a hellish history. Continue reading The Rings Of Poison A History Of Murder

NZGeekChicNovember 2, 2022November 2, 2022Leave a comment

Dora Esquivel, Experts, Paranormal

The Hellish Killer Who Fought With Joan of Arc

Gilles de Rais or Baron de Rais, was a knight and lord from Brittany, Anjou and Poitou. He was a leader in the French army, and a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. So, how is it that his reputation turned to a killer of children?

The True Face Of Evil

Gilles ‘Baron’ de Rais fought alongside Joan of Arc at the Siege of Orléans. This was around La Roche-Bernard in France in September 1438.

de Rais was a young lord who was hailed as a hero. So, understandably any mother would be honored to have their ten-year-old son go live with de Rais and become his page. Unbeknownst to the mother, she would never see her young son again.

Dora EsquivelSeptember 22, 2022January 17, 2025Leave a comment

Experts, OCD Vampire, Reviews, YouTube

The Puritan Torture Of Jane Doe

When watching a horror period movie, I wonder if the torture they use is true to the time. I’m a medieval history nerd, and here is my conclusion on the matter.

Before The Puritan torture of Jane Doe let’s make something clear:

SPOILER ALERT is in effect! Movies are dissected, and plots revealed.
MATURE AUDIENCE: Subjects of violence, torture, sex, and gore are part of this article.
TRIGGERS: Abuse, Torture, PTSD, Mental Illness.

Consider yourself warned!

Official IMDb Synopsis of The Autopsy of Jane Doe

A team of father and son coroners investigate the death of a beautiful ‘Jane Doe’. As they aim to ascertain who she is and how she died they find an increasingly bizarre sequence of clues.

OCD VampireAugust 25, 2021Leave a comment

Experts, OCD Vampire, Paranormal

The Minister Who Died A Salem Witch

For 300 years, the Witch Trial lasted. But, during the Salem Witch Trial happening long after the end of the 300 years of terror, one minister suffered the fate of the witches.

A Salem Witch

The Salem Witch trial is a popular name and term. However, not many people know the true story behind the trial that occurred more than four hundred years ago.

The Salem witch trials were a tragedy. It happened due to a group of young people who accused others of witchcraft. So, here is the article about the minister who died a Salem witch.

OCD VampireJanuary 21, 20205 Comments

Experts, OCD Vampire, Paranormal

Elizabeth Báthory The Blood Countess

Here is the story of a woman who inspired the vampire folklore for centuries. She is one of the most horrifying people who ever lived, and one we can never forget. Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed.

Elizabeth The Countess

Let’s dig in Elizabeth Báthory the Blood Countess. Elizabeth Báthory, born on August 7th, 1560, was a noble Hungarian woman. She reigned over the Kingdom of Hungary that now is part of Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania.

When young, the countess suffered from many seizures that led historians to understand those were probably from epilepsy and possibly transmitted from inbreeding from her direct parents.

OCD VampireJanuary 28, 2019May 31, 20208 Comments

Paranormal

Peter Stumpp — The Execution of a Werewolf

When witch trials happened werewolves became part of it. Many witches thought to be werewolves worked for the devil. One of them was Peter Stumpp.

Werewolves From Antiquity

*** Contains historical imagery and details of medieval torture.
For Mature Audiences only. ***

The werewolves were born of legends and folklore back in the Ancient Times and survived through all the centuries, wars and time. Throughout history, professors and scientists have discovered records of witch trials, and through those, werewolves.

One of them seemed to have been the center of all attraction, Peter Stumpp, the execution of a werewolf from hell.

OCD VampireJuly 16, 2018October 3, 20237 Comments

When we think about impalement, we don’t necessarily associate it with bodies, or do we? Because of Vlad the Impaler, we know that at least one person used it obsessively, but what if I told you it is much older than Vlad?

How Old Is The Practice Of Impalement?

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Throughout history, humankind has encountered many murderers and people thirsty for the blood of innocents. Worldwide known names come to mind, but what about those in the shadows of the big names?

The Names We Know Of The Medieval Period

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The witch trials occurred when everyone could be a victim of accusations leading to torture and horrible deaths. But some of the worst stories of witchcraft lead to Scotland, and Agnes Sampson is one of them.

The History Of Agnes Sampson

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From all the haunted places we come across, some of them remind us that our past isn’t as spotless as we wished. Sometimes, we must remind ourselves where we come from to avoid repeating those mistakes. The Eastern State Penitentiary in the USA is one of them.

A Pioneer Of Its Time And A Little Dark

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It is the Fall season, and here at Gothic Bite Magazine, we celebrate the Witch Age early for our Fall season, from September 1st to November 30th. So, let’s start this Witch Age Season with Increase Mather, an enemy of Witches!

Puritans Leading To The Salem Witch Trials

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People don’t often think about women as serial killers, even less in aristocratic times. However, knowing it is a man’s world, only now do we discover women did more than first thought. How many women do YOU think got away with murder?

Only Men Can Be Serial Killers

Share this:

Every town has its tales and its secrets. The most horrific tales are often well-guarded and found in the most obscure places. However, Fortierville wants the world to know that a tomb of a martyred child deserves your love.

Aurore The Child Martyr

Share this:

Henry VIII had six wives, and his reputation for disposing of them is no secret, but when it comes to highlighting the days of his reign, one series comes to mind, The Tudors. Were they accurate?

The Official Summary Of The Tudors Series

Share this:

In the history of witch trials, we can go as far back as the beginning of Christianity and later on Catholicism. Being part of the church didn’t even ensure your safety among your people. History is cruel to those who dare be just a little different.

Women And Witchcraft

Share this:

When I finished watching The Last Kingdom, I was looking desperately for something to satisfy my Dark Ages addiction. Knightfall showed up, and quickly I found myself hooked on the last years of the infamous Templars.

The Official Summary

Share this:

When we think about the European witch hunt, we think about the mediaeval period, but what if I told you one castle hosted children as its primary victims?

The Moosham Castle Purpose

Share this:

The Dark Ages weren’t magic. They were unforgiving. It was a time for kingdom divisions and assertions of power for lands. But Kings and Queens weren’t the only sources of power. So were the Church and their most powerful Order, the Knights Templar.

What Do We Know Of The Knights Templar?

Share this:

Gilles de Rais or Baron de Rais, was a knight and lord from Brittany, Anjou and Poitou. He was a leader in the French army, and a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc. So, how is it that his reputation turned to a killer of children?

The True Face Of Evil

Share this:

When watching a horror period movie, I wonder if the torture they use is true to the time. I’m a medieval history nerd, and here is my conclusion on the matter.

Before The Puritan torture of Jane Doe let’s make something clear:SPOILER ALERT is in effect! Movies are dissected, and plots revealed.MATURE AUDIENCE: Subjects of violence, torture, sex, and gore are part of this article.TRIGGERS: Abuse, Torture, PTSD, Mental Illness.Consider yourself warned!

Official IMDb Synopsis of The Autopsy of Jane Doe

Share this:

For 300 years, the Witch Trial lasted. But, during the Salem Witch Trial happening long after the end of the 300 years of terror, one minister suffered the fate of the witches.

A Salem Witch

Share this:

Here is the story of a woman who inspired the vampire folklore for centuries. She is one of the most horrifying people who ever lived, and one we can never forget. Elizabeth Báthory de Ecsed.

Elizabeth The Countess

Share this:

When witch trials happened werewolves became part of it. Many witches thought to be werewolves worked for the devil. One of them was Peter Stumpp.

Werewolves From Antiquity

Share this: