Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler, was a 15th-century Voivode of Wallachia infamous for his ruthless tactics and brutal executions, particularly impalement. A member of the
House of Drăculești, he fought against the Ottoman Empire, striving to maintain Wallachian independence through military campaigns and acts of terror. While he was feared for his cruelty, he was also seen as a defender of his homeland, enforcing strict laws and punishing corruption harshly. His reputation as a merciless ruler eventually inspired the legend of Dracula, though the real Vlad had no connection to vampirism. Despite his efforts, his reign was marked by betrayal and exile, and he was ultimately killed in battle or assassinated. His legacy remains controversial, viewed as both a national hero and a monstrous tyrant depending on the perspective.