Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler, was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in present-day Romania. He is famous for his brutal methods of ruling, particularly his use of impalement as a form of punishment. Vlad III was born in 1431 and belonged to the Dracula family, which has become associated with the fictional character created by Bram Stoker. Vlad III's reign was marked by his efforts to defend Wallachia against the Ottoman Empire and to consolidate power. He is often remembered for his fierce resistance against foreign invaders and his complex legacy, which includes both national heroism and notorious cruelty.