Medieval Eastern Europe

Vlad III, famously known as Vlad the Impaler and historically linked to the legend of Count Dracula, was a ruthless 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in modern-day Romania. Feared for his brutal methods—especially impalement—and revered for his resistance against the Ottoman Empire, Vlad became one of the most controversial figures in medieval Eastern Europe. His legacy, a mix of myth and historical fact, continues to fascinate scholars, horror fans, and history enthusiasts alike. This biography explores his violent rise to power, his brutal reign, and the transformation of his name into a global symbol of darkness.