Vlad the Impaler

c. 1431 – c. 1477

Vlad III, known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula, was Voivode of Wallachia three times between 1448 and his death. He is remembered for his fierce resistance to Ottoman expansion and for the extreme cruelty of his punishments, especially impalement. His patronymic Dracula later inspired the name of Bram Stoker's fictional vampire.

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Lived at the same time

Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Vlad the Impaler.

Life events

Born in Transylvania, probably in Sighisoara
c. 1431

Vlad was born around 1431, the second legitimate son of Vlad II Dracul, who joined the Order of the Dragon that year.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Sent as a hostage to the Ottoman court
c. 1442

Vlad and his younger brother Radu were held as hostages by Sultan Murad II to secure their father's loyalty.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Personal ✓
First brief reign as Voivode of Wallachia
1448

With Ottoman support, Vlad seized the Wallachian throne in 1448 but was driven out within months by Vladislav II.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Began main reign as Voivode of Wallachia
1456 – 1462

Vlad killed Vladislav II and took the throne in 1456, ruling Wallachia for six years and consolidating power through harsh punishments.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Launched campaign against the Ottomans across the Danube
1462

In the winter of 1461-1462 Vlad attacked Ottoman territory south of the Danube, massacring thousands and provoking a major invasion by Mehmed II.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Imprisoned by Matthias Corvinus of Hungary
1462 – c. 1475

After fleeing the Ottomans, Vlad was arrested by the Hungarian king and held in captivity for many years.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Personal ✓
Night attack at Targoviste against Mehmed II
17 June 1462

Vlad led a night assault on the invading Ottoman camp in an attempt to kill Sultan Mehmed II, one of the most famous actions of his career.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Regained the Wallachian throne for a third reign
November 1476

With Hungarian and Moldavian support, Vlad recaptured Wallachia in November 1476 for a brief third reign.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Killed in battle against the Ottomans
c. 1477

Vlad died fighting Ottoman forces in Wallachia around the end of 1476 or beginning of 1477; the exact circumstances of his death are uncertain.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓