Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, more commonly known as Vlad the Impaler (in Romanian Vlad Ţepeş pronounced [ˈvlad ˈt͡sepeʃ]), or simply Dracula (c.1431 – December, 1476), was a Wallachian (present-day southern Romania) voivode. His first reign as crown prince took place at age 17, during the same year of his release from Turkish captivity, in 1448. His main reign took place in 1456 and ended in 1462.

His final reign was accomplished with the aid of the Hungarian throne in 1476 and he ruled until his assassination months later within the same year. Vlad the Impaler is known for the exceedingly cruel punishment he imposed as ruler of Wallachia; however, the people of Romania refer to Vlad as a savior to their nation and continue to justify his method of torture as not uncommon for that period in history. In the English-speaking world, Vlad III is perhaps most commonly known for inspiring the name of the vampire in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula.

As prince, Vlad maintained an independent policy in relation to the Ottoman Empire and was a defender of Wallachia against Ottoman expansionism.

Similar to 0 things you like: