Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in present-day Romania. He is infamous for his brutal methods of punishing enemies, often using impalement, which earned him the nickname "the Impaler." His reign was marked by a desire to defend his territory against the Ottoman Empire and to maintain control over his people. The name "Dracula" means "son of the dragon," derived from his father's title, Vlad II Dracul, who was a member of the Order of the Dragon. Vlad III's life and reputation inspired the fictional character Count Dracula created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel, which popularized the vampire mythos.