Elizabeth Bathory is the most prolific female murderer, killing over 650 women and girls, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Bathory was a Hungarian noblewoman born in 1560 and committing her crimes between 1590 and 1610. Due to her importance, she did not face execution, but was placed on house arrest, some claim she was locked in a bricked room.

She had epilepsy and was treated by rubbing blood of non-sufferers on her lips. It is speculated that she that killings were part of her efforts to cure herself. It is also claimed she bathed in the blood to retain her youth and beauty.