Underworld: Blood Wars

The character of the vampire has been an iconic staple in pop culture since the history books wrote about Vlad the Impaler. An earlier example could be attributed to the ancient Babylonian’s belief of an evil spirit called Ekimmu, who, instead of sucking blood, sucked the life out of living persons. The modern portrayals of vampires have their roots in Europe where it was believed that the dead, though buried, can still come after living persons. The infamous fangs that vampires have are actually due to the sight of decomposing flesh – as the skin shrinks, teeth can appear longer. As for the consumption of blood, the breaking down of organs and release of a dark purge fluid which leaks out of the nose and mouth can be misconstrued as suspect of blood-drinking. Besides suspicious corpses, diseases were then seen as caused by vampires. Outbreaks of the plague were thought to be the cause of vampires. In Italy, during the 16th century, those who were thought be vampires or witches were buried with bricks in their mouth in order to prevent them to leave their grave and eat people.