Stuff They Don't Want You To Know CLASSIC: The Eternal Shadow: Serial Killers Throughout Ancient History
Sep 24, 2024
Explore the chilling origins of serial killers, revealing their presence throughout ancient history. Delve into notorious cases and how societal norms shaped public perceptions. Discover the complexities of defining these criminals and the dark legacy they leave behind. Meet Lucusta, Rome's first female serial killer, and hear about the horrific practices used to extract confessions. Unearth tales of women in power within the context of serial killing, highlighting the intertwining of history, crime, and societal influence.
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Ancient Serial Killers
- Serial killers are commonly thought to be a modern phenomenon, mainly associated with the 20th century.
- However, history reveals that serial murder has existed for much longer, possibly even predating written records.
Serial Killer Patterns
- Serial killers are distinguished from other murderers by their patterns, not just the number of victims.
- These patterns can include victim selection based on perceived commonalities or the methods of killing.
Estimating Serial Killer Numbers
- Estimating the number of active serial killers is difficult due to a lack of clear data.
- Current estimations vary significantly, with some suggesting thousands of uncaught killers in the US alone.