 During the 18th century , there was a frenzy of vampire sightings in Eastern Europe , with frequent <unk> and grave diggings to identify and kill the potential revenants . Even government officials engaged in the hunting and staking of vampires . Despite being called the Age of Enlightenment , during which most folkloric legends were quelled , the belief in vampires increased dramatically , resulting in a mass hysteria throughout most of Europe . 
