Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, was a ruler of Wallachia (now part of modern-day Romania) in the mid-15th century. He is perhaps best known for his brutal methods of punishment, including impaling his enemies on stakes and displaying their bodies as a warning to others. This earned him the nickname "Vlad the Impaler" and a reputation as one of history's most ruthless leaders.
Vlad was born in 1431 in the city of Sighisoara, Romania. He was the son of Vlad II Dracul, who was a member of the Order of the Dragon, a group established to protect Christianity from the Ottoman Turks. Vlad spent much of his youth in captivity in Hungary, where he was held as a hostage by the Ottomans.
In 1448, Vlad returned to Wallachia and took the throne from his rival, Vladislav II. During his reign, Vlad was determined to defend Wallachia against the Ottoman Empire, which was seeking to expand its territory in Europe. He engaged in a series of wars against the Ottomans, and his tactics were often brutal.
Vlad's most infamous method of punishment was impaling, in which a victim was skewered on a stake and left to die slowly. This method was not unique to Vlad, but he was known to use it frequently and with great enthusiasm. He would often impale hundreds or even thousands of prisoners at a time and display their bodies on the outskirts of his cities as a warning to others.
Despite his brutal reputation, Vlad was also known for his devotion to his people and his efforts to modernize Wallachia. He implemented a strict legal code and worked to improve trade and commerce in the region. He also established a system of orphanages and hospitals to care for the poor.
Vlad's reign came to an end in 1462, when he was captured by the Ottoman Empire and imprisoned for several years.