Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula, was a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, a region in present-day Romania.
He is famous for his cruel methods of punishing his enemies, especially by impaling them on stakes. He is also considered a national hero of Romania for his resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
Vlad III was the son of Vlad II Dracul, who belonged to the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order dedicated to defending a community in Europe. Vlad III was held as a hostage by the Ottomans as a child, along with his brother Radu. He later fought against the Ottomans, as well as his rivals for the throne of Wallachia, such as his brother and his cousin. He had three reigns as the voivode (prince) of Wallachia, in 1448, 1456-1462, and 1476. He died in battle against the Ottomans in 1476 or 1477.
