Most of us would probably know Vlad the Impaler only as the historical figure that inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula. Vlad the Impaler was the ruler of Walachia in 1456. He was also known as Vlad III and Vlad Dracula. His last name can be presently interpreted as “devil.”

Some say that he may have inspired the fictional vampire Dracula because he lusted for blood and was excessively and unbelievably cruel. His favorite method of torturing and killing was by impaling his victims from the anus up or vice versa. He is said to have allegedly impaled thousands of people including women and children. Aside from impalement, he also used skinning, disembowelment, scalping, burning and disfigurement. One account says he once feasted on the blood and flesh of his victims.

Surprisingly though, scholars reveal that some excessive accounts of Vlad’s cruelty may have only been the work of his detractors. Many modern day Romanians see him as a hero and nationalist and do not acknowledge any connections between him and the fictional vampire. There is no doubt that Vlad III was truly cruel and was really an impaler but his supporters claim that he was a just ruler and was only cruel because he wanted to impose a strict moral code to encourage people to work hard and be honest.

Fact or Fiction?
Fact!