Historical horror is a subgenre of horror that uses historical settings or elements to heighten the horror. It often explores themes of the supernatural, the occult, and the macabre in historical contexts. The subgenre can be traced back to the Gothic literature of the 18th and 19th centuries, which often featured haunted castles, dark forests, and ancient ruins.
Historical horror can be set in any time period, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. It often uses real historical events or figures as a backdrop for its stories. For example, some historical horror stories might take place during the Salem witch trials, the French Revolution, or World War II.