While H.H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper are often cited as among the first documented serial killers, history is rife with figures whose cruelty and bloodlust predate these infamous names. Long before the 17th century, several individuals committed heinous acts, leaving a trail of horror in their wake. Here are six historical serial killers whose barbaric deeds have been etched into history.
Procrustes: The Mythical Butcher of Attica
Procrustes, a figure from Greek mythology, was said to have lived in Attica, Greece, where he invited unsuspecting travelers to stay at his estate. However, his hospitality quickly turned to horror as he offered his guests an iron bed. Procrustes would force his victims to fit the bed’s length, either by stretching their bodies or amputating their limbs, ultimately murdering them. His reign of terror ended when Theseus, a mythical Greek hero, used the same cruel method on Procrustes, leading to his death. While Procrustes’s existence remains a topic of debate among historians, his legend continues to symbolize merciless torture and murder in ancient history.
The All-Female Roman Poison Ring: Mass Murderers of 331 BC
In 331 BC, nearly 200 Roman women were implicated in a series of mass poisonings after a significant number of Rome’s elite mysteriously perished. Initially thought to be a plague, an investigation revealed the deaths were the result of poisoning. This shocking discovery pointed to an all-female group of matrons, including two prominent women named Cornelia and Sergia, who were among the first serial killer women. These famous female poisoners claimed to be administering medicine, but when they were forced to drink their concoctions to prove their innocence, they died from their own poison. Under interrogation, their servants revealed the names of many other women, leading to widespread condemnation and execution of the accused in one of the earliest known cases of female serial killers who used poison.
Liu Pengli: The First Recorded Serial Killer
Liu Pengli, the nephew of Emperor Jing and Prince of Jidong, is recognized as the world’s first recorded serial killer in history. His killing spree began around 144 BCE and continued for two decades, making him perhaps the oldest serial killer in recorded history. Liu Pengli, accompanied by a gang of 20-30 criminals, roamed the region, murdering and robbing for sheer sport. His confirmed death toll exceeded 100, and his rampage might have continued if not for the son of one of his victims, who alerted the Emperor. Rather than being executed, Liu Pengli was stripped of his title and exiled, a sentence far less severe than his crimes warranted.
Locusta of Gaul: Rome’s Deadliest Poisoner
Locusta of Gaul was one of the most feared women in the Roman Empire, known for her unmatched skill in concocting deadly poisons. Operating under the reign of Emperor Nero in the 1st century, Locusta was allegedly responsible for the assassinations of notable figures, including Emperor Claudius and his son Britannicus. While the exact number of her victims remains unknown, her career as a poisoner ended with Nero’s suicide. Following his death, Locusta was captured and executed, marking the end of her deadly influence.
Queen Anula of Anuradhapura: The Sri Lankan Black Widow
Queen Anula of Anuradhapura, who ruled Sri Lanka from 47 BC to 42 BC, was not only the country’s first female monarch but also one of its most notorious serial killers. Known for her multiple affairs and the systematic poisoning of her husbands, Anula’s reign was marred by her lethal ambition. She murdered four husbands, along with her son, to ascend to and maintain power. Her deadly saga concluded when she was overthrown by Kutakanna Tissa, who had her burned alive on a funeral pyre, ending her reign of terror
Gilles de Rais: The French Nobleman Turned Child Murderer
Gilles de Rais, a 15th-century French nobleman and military leader, fought alongside Joan of Arc, earning distinction on the battlefield. However, his post-military life took a dark turn as he delved into the occult and witchcraft, allegedly attempting to summon a demon for wealth. This descent into madness led him to become one of history’s most notorious child killers. Over nearly a decade, de Rais tortured, raped, and murdered over 140 children. His gruesome crimes were exposed after hundreds of parents testified against him, leading to his execution by hanging in 1440.
Peter Stumpp: The Werewolf of Bedburg
Peter Stumpp, active during the 16th century in Germany, claimed to have received the power to transform into a wolf from the Devil himself. Known as the Werewolf of Bedburg, Stumpp confessed to killing 14 children, including his own son, and two pregnant women, as well as engaging in incestuous relationships. His reign of terror ended when he was arrested on October 28, 1589. His execution was as brutal as his crimes: Stumpp was strapped to a giant wheel, where his flesh was torn with hot pincers before his limbs were broken and his head was cut off, ensuring he could never again prey on the innocent.
Conclusion
While H.H. Holmes and Jack the Ripper are infamous for their gruesome acts in the 19th century, they were far from the first individuals to terrorize society.
While these six historical figures represent some of the earliest known serial killers, they are far from the only ones. Throughout history, many other notorious murderers have left their mark, such as Elizabeth Báthory, the infamous “Blood Countess” of Hungary; Agrippina, the ruthless mother of Emperor Nero; Catalina de los Ríos y Lisperguer, or “La Quintrala,” the sadistic Chilean aristocrat; Darya Nikolayevna Saltykova, a Russian noblewoman who tortured and killed over 100 serfs; Thug Behram and the Thuggee cult of India, who murdered travelers as sacrifices to the goddess Kali; Catherine Monvoisin and the scandalous “Affair of the Poisons” in the court of Louis XIV; and Crown Prince Sado of Korea, whose madness and brutality shocked the Joseon Dynasty.
These historical figures, some real and others mythological, serve as chilling reminders that the capacity for cruelty has long existed within humanity. Their stories, though centuries old, continue to fascinate and horrify, shedding light on the darker aspects of human nature.
From ancient history to more recent centuries, serial killers have plagued societies around the world. While their motives and methods may vary, their heinous acts serve as a chilling reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the importance of remaining vigilant against such evil. By studying these historical cases, we can better understand the phenomenon of serial murder and work to prevent future atrocities.
What do you think of these early serial killers? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below?
