Homonym: Vlad III Dracula (Vampire)
Vlad III Dracula, 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 punishing enemies, particularly his use of impalement. Vlad was born in 1431 and was a member of the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order dedicated to defending Christianity in Eastern Europe.
Vlad's reign was marked by his efforts to consolidate power and protect his territory from the Ottoman Empire. His reputation for cruelty has led to his association with the fictional character Count Dracula, created by author Bram Stoker in the 19th century. Vlad's legacy remains a complex mix of historical fact and folklore.