Vlad dracula biography

Vlad III Dracula (1431-1467/77) was one of the most important rulers in Wallachian history.

He was also known as Vlad the Impaler for the brutality with which he dispensed with his enemies, gaining him notoriety in 15th century Europe.

Here are 10 facts about the man who inspired fear and legends for centuries to come.

1.

His family name means “dragon”

The name Dracul was given to Vlad’s father Vlad II by his fellow knights who belonged to a Christian crusading order known as the Order of the Dragon. Dracul translates to “dragon” in Romanian.

In 1431, King Sigismund of Hungary – who would later become the Holy Roman Emperor – inducted the elder Vlad into the knightly order.

The Order of the Dragon was devoted to one task: the defeat of the Ottoman Empire.

His son, Vlad III, would become known as the “son of Dracul” or, i