About
Voivode of Walachia who was also known as Vlad III or Vlad Dracula. He is often considered one of the most important rulers in Wallachian history and a national hero of Romania for his efforts to fight the Ottomans. His cruel methods of punishing his enemies gained notoriety in 15th-century Europe. Some scholars have suggested he inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula character.
Before Fame
For six years, he and his brother Radu were imprisoned by the Ottomans at the Eğrigöz Fortress, in what is now central Turkey. While there, he studied warfare and become a skilled swordsman.
Trivia
He was known for impaling his enemies on stakes in the ground and leaving them to die. As he retreated from a battle in 1462, he left a field filled with thousands of impaled victims as a deterrent to pursuing Ottoman forces. That year he escaped Ottoman capture, only to be caught by Hungarian forces and imprisoned. He regained his seat in 1476 but was killed in battle the same year.
Family Life
He married Justina Szilágyi. They had five children named Mihnea cel Rău, Zaleska, Vlad IV Dracula, Radu, and Mihail.
Associated With
In movies, he has been portrayed by actors including Luke Evans and Gary Oldman.
