Vlad the Impaler – The Real Dracula

Story: Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler, ruled Wallachia in the 15th century. He became infamous for his brutal method of executing enemies—impalement. During the Ottoman invasion, Vlad used psychological warfare, leaving forests of impaled corpses to terrify his enemies.
Fascinating Twist: While seen as a monster in the West (and the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula), in Romania, he’s still viewed as a national hero who defended his land against Ottoman conquest.