University of Central Florida (UCF) ANT3026 Mummies, Zombies, and Vampires: Anthropology of the Undead Practice Exam 2

The first documented use of the term "vampire" is traced back to the late 17th century, specifically in the year 1689. This usage was noted in texts discussing folklore and superstition surrounding the resurrection of the dead and the fear of the undead in various European cultures. The term refers not to the modern interpretations of vampires popularized in literature and film but rather to earlier beliefs about creatures that rose from the grave to suck the life force from the living.

Understanding the context of the 17th century is crucial; during this period, many regions in Europe were grappling with social and religious changes, contributing to a heightened interest in supernatural phenomena. Vampire legends often arose in response to social anxieties, making the historical timing of the term's introduction particularly significant in anthropological studies of the undead.

The other years listed do not align with the documented use of the term "vampire." The year 1897 is notable for the publication of Bram Stoker's "Dracula," which cemented the modern vampire archetype but does not mark the first use of the term. The years 1047 and 1427 do not correspond with notable literary or folkloric documentation regarding vampires. Understanding the historical origins of the term