Vlad the Impaler
Early Life
Vlad III, commonly known as Vlad the Impaler, was born in 1431 in the fortress of Sighișoara, Transylvania. His father, Vlad II, was a member of the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order dedicated to halting the Ottoman advance into Europe. His mother's identity is less certain, though she is believed to have been a Moldavian princess.
Reign
Vlad III's reign was characterized by his brutal and tyrannical rule. He is infamous for his use of impalement as a method of execution, which earned him the nickname "Vlad the Impaler". His reputation for cruelty and his patronymic inspired the name of the fictional vampire Dracula in Bram Stoker's 1897 novel.
Impalement
Vlad III's preferred method of execution was impalement, a gruesome and painful method of death. The victim would be forced onto a large, sharp stake, which would then be raised upright. The stake's placement was calculated so that the victim would not die immediately, but rather suffer a slow and agonizing death.
Legacy
Vlad III's brutal reign has left a lasting mark on history. His methods of rule, particularly his use of impalement, have been the subject of many works of literature and film. His connection to the fictional character Dracula has further cemented his place in popular culture.