Vlad The Impaler, also known as Vlad III or Vlad Dracula, was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in present-day Romania. He is famous for his brutal methods of punishing enemies, particularly through impalement, which earned him his notorious nickname. Vlad's reign was marked by a desire to consolidate power and defend his territory against the Ottoman Empire. Despite his violent reputation, Vlad is also considered a national hero in Romania for his efforts to protect his land from foreign invaders. His life and actions inspired the fictional character Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, linking him to themes of horror and vampirism.