* Ancient Mesopotamia (c. 2000 BCE): The epic poem "The Epic of Gilgamesh" contains elements of horror, including the fear of death, the unknown, and monstrous creatures.
* Ancient Egypt (c. 1500 BCE): Egyptian mythology features tales of gods and demons, including the god Set, known for his malicious and destructive nature.
* Ancient Greece (c. 8th century BCE): Greek mythology is filled with terrifying monsters like Medusa, the Minotaur, and the Chimera, as well as stories of vengeful spirits and curses.
* Medieval Europe (c. 5th-15th centuries): The Middle Ages saw a rise in religious horror, with tales of demons, witchcraft, and the apocalypse. Works like "The Canterbury Tales" and "The Decameron" contain stories of fear and the macabre.
The "Modern" Horror Genre:
* 18th Century: Gothic literature, with authors like Horace Walpole and Mary Shelley, popularized the use of dark settings, supernatural elements, and psychological terror.
* 19th Century: Edgar Allan Poe, considered the "father of the modern horror story," developed the short story form and explored themes of madness, death, and the grotesque.
* 20th Century: Horror became a major genre in literature and film, with authors like H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and Shirley Jackson pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Conclusion:
Horror fiction has a long and rich history, spanning thousands of years and evolving alongside human fears and anxieties. While it's difficult to say definitively how old it is, we can recognize its roots in ancient mythology, folklore, and religious beliefs, and appreciate how it has continued to develop and adapt throughout history.