The History of The Real Dracula

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Vlad Dracula is one of the most popular figures in history but the Dracula that we think of today is much different from the man that was given the nickname, Vlad the Impaler. Author Bram Stoker published Dracula in 1897 as he was inspired by Vlad’s incredible story in Wallachian history. The real Dracula wasn't a vampire but he was a ruthless man that changed Wallachia and was able to stop the Ottomans from invading further into Europe. 

Dracula was seen as a hero and a monster when it came to his rule in Wallachia. Vlad is considered to be a national hero in Romania and shaped the country into what it is today. So if you are interested in learning more about the real Dracula than you should check out this article. 

Vlad Dracula Was Born

Vlad III Dracula was born in Sighișoara, Transylvania in 1431 and was the second son of Vlad II Dracul. Vlad’s nickname, Dracula, was given to him as his father was inducted into the Order of the Dragon to protect Europe from Ottoman oppression. When Dracula was just five years old he moved to Târgovişte, Wallachia as his father became the new voivode (leader) for Wallachia. 

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This is where Dracula learned how to become a strong leader as his father was a fine example of a leader that was respected. Vlad was born during tough times in Wallachia which taught him that life isn't easy for anyone. 

Dracula Was Trained To Be A Knight 

Dracula was trained to be a knight at a young age and his father taught all of his four sons how to become some of the best warriors. Many people mistake Vlad for being a part of the Knight’s Templar as they too were protecting Europe from Ottoman oppression but Vlad was part of the same order that his father was in, which was the Order of the Dragon. 

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Dracula’s father instilled in him the importance of keeping order throughout Wallachia and this is something that Dracula took seriously when he was given the chance to rule over Walachia. 

Dracula Was Well Educated 

Since Vlad III would someday become the voivode of Wallachia, his father wanted him to become well-educated. Vlad learned how to speak German, Hungarian, Latin, Romanian, and English which he was well-versed in. Vlad was also educated in Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism as his father thought that it was important for a leader to understand everyone’s beliefs that he was ruling. 

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Vlad’s father was preparing him to become one of the most prominent figures in Wallachia history but he didn’t plan on what would happen to him next. One thing was certain, Vlad would be feared across the nation. 

Wallachia 

Wallachia, also known as “The Romanian Land,” was divided into two sections which were Muntenia and Oltenia. Vlad II was in control of keeping both sections of Wallachia under control but there was a lot of infighting within the nation. The nation was created after Basarab I of Wallachia formed a rebellion against Charles I of Hungary. 

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This created a sour relationship between the two nations, although they both supported Christianity. Wallachia faced another enemy to the south that was endangering both Wallachia and Hungary, and would eventually make the two nations some of the best allies. 

Hungarian And Ottoman Oppression 

The Ottoman Empire was already in control of Bulgaria which was just south of Wallachia and they were threatening to invade the nation as Wallachia stood with Christianity. Vlad’s father, Vlad II, ended up signing an agreement with the sultan to pay a yearly tribute to the Ottoman Empire in return for peace between the two empires. 

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This was something that Vlad II was not pleased with but he was forced into the agreement as his country was facing two enemies that would easily be able to crush him. Something would happen next that would change Wallachian history forever. 

Vlad's Father Was Imprisoned 

In 1442, Vlad II was invited to pay homage to sultan Murad II in Ottoman-owned territory. Dracula and his brother, Radu, accompanied their father which ended up being a mistake as Murad II ended up imprisoning all three of them. The sultan eventually released Dracula's father from prison, but in return, both of his sons remained in Ottoman hands. 

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Although Dracula and Radu were prisoners, they were still educated by the Ottomans as they wanted to use them as puppet leaders once they took control of Wallachia. Dracula would be in the Ottoman's possession for five years and this would drive him to hate them for the rest of his life. 

Dracula And His Brother Were Raised By The Ottomans

While Dracula and Radu were imprisoned by the Ottomans, they both became fluent in Turkish and even learned most of their customs. The sultan didn't want to convert Dracula and Radu as he wanted them to rule over Wallachia in his name once he took control of the nation. 

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Dracula's knowledge of the Ottomans would help him to defeat them later on in his life as he was versed in all of their warfare tactics. Dracula's knowledge of the Turkish language would also help him during his revolt against the Ottomans as he would often disguise himself as a Turk. 

Dracula Was Treated Badly While His Brother Favored The Ottomans 

A rift was created between Dracula and his younger brother, Radu, as he was treated badly by the Ottomans while his brother was favored by them. Dracula would often be whipped as he wasn't afraid to speak against the Ottoman Empire. Radu had a much different relationship with the Ottomans as he started to become accustomed to their beliefs. 

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Vlad II was quite disappointed when he got news of Radu becoming much closer to the Ottomans as he thought that his son would always be loyal to Wallachia. Radu was also getting very close to Mehmed II and reportedly was one of his lovers. 

Dracula's Father And Brother Are Killed

In 1447, Vlad II and Dracula's younger brother, Mircea II, were both killed by Vladislav II in Wallachia. Shortly after Vlad II was released from the sultan, a large revolt took place in Wallachia, which resulted in both the deaths of Vlad II and Mircea II. 

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During this time, Dracula was still imprisoned by the Ottomans and had no idea that both his father and brother were killed. Vladislav II was elected the new voivode of Wallachia and the Ottomans were quite disappointed as they had lost control of Wallachia. This would end up being Dracula's chance to take back Târgoviște as the Ottomans were desperate to gain control of the nation. 

Loyal Servant Alerts Dracula of His Father And Brother's Death

Shortly after Vlad II and Mircea II were both killed, a loyal servant of Dracula gathered Mircea II's sword and collar to show Dracula what had become of his father and brother. Once Dracula was alerted, he was enraged and wanted to take revenge against Vladislav II.  

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When Dracula alerted the sultan on what had happened to his father and brother, he asked him if he could take back Târgoviște. The sultan wasn't sure about letting Dracula free as he was worried that he would turn against him. Radu didn't care much as his loyalty was now in the hands of the Ottomans. 

Dracula Swore To Kill Vladislav II

Dracula swore to kill Vladislav II in hand-to-hand combat to avenge the deaths of his father and brother. Dracula insisted that he should be allowed to take back Târgoviște so that he could restore order in Wallachia. Dracula convinced the Ottomans that he would take back Târgoviște in their name. 

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Dracula was ready to take back his homeland but was still being held by the Sultan. It would take only a couple of months before his convincing would prove to be valid as the Sultan would release him from prison to take back Târgoviște. 

Dracula Released From Prison By The Sultan 

In 1448, Dracula was released from imprisonment by the Sultan so that he would take back Târgoviște and restore order in Wallachia. Dracula didn't have much money or men to take back Târgoviște so he gathered men across Wallachia until he had enough men to start raiding the countryside. 

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The Sultan only wanted two things in return and that was if Dracula took back Târgoviște he would pay a yearly tribute to the Sultan and allow the safe passage of Turkish troops through Wallachia. Although Dracula agreed to the terms, he had something else in mind and that was to eventually break from the clutches of the Ottoman Empire. 

Vlad Took Back Târgoviște

Dracula took back Târgoviște while Vladislav II was helping the Hungarians battle the Ottomans. Dracula saw this as the perfect opportunity to take back the capital as he didn't have enough men to storm the castle which was heavily guarded. Luckily, Vladislav II took the best of his warriors to battle and left few men to defend the capital. 

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Dracula successfully took back Târgoviște in 1448 but his reign was short-lived as Vladislav II returned to the capital with a huge army. Dracula was able to escape before he was captured by Vladislav II and returned to the Ottoman territory. 

Vlad Fled To Moldova

Once Dracula realized that it wasn't safe for him to stay in the Ottoman's hands, he decided to flee to Moldova as he was close to his cousin, Stephen the Great. Dracula was related to the leaders of Moldova and helped them keep control over their nation. 

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Dracula stayed in Moldova for a year as he was welcomed in the country and gathered more men so that he would one day take back Wallachia. Stephen the Great was the son of Bolgan II who was the leader of Moldova, which with whom Dracula became close as they fought many battles together. 

Dracula Fought With Stephen The Great

Dracula fought several battles with Stephen the Great and Bolgan II against Polish aggressors in the region. Dracula and Stephen the Great became close allies and this relationship between the two would help Dracula restore order in Wallachia. 

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Dracula's stay in Moldova was short-lived as Bolgan II was betrayed by his brother which led to Dracula and Stephen the Great fleeing to Transylvania. This was a dangerous move for both Dracula and Stephen the Great as Transylvania was owned by the Hungarians who didn't have a good relationship with the two. Things would change for Dracula once the Hungarians found him in Transylvania. 

Hunyadi Takes Vlad Into His Service 

John Hunyadi was Hungary's most prized warrior that eventually captured Dracula whom he disliked as his father had pledged loyalty to the Ottoman Empire. Instead of killing Dracula, Hunyadi had something else in mind for the young prince as he wanted him to become the new leader of Wallachia. 

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Hunyadi was displeased with Vladislav II as he congratulated the new Sultan Mehmed II on his new position. Hunyadi wanted Valdislav II removed from his position and knew that Dracula would be the perfect replacement as Dracula hated the Turks just as much as he did. This was a blessing for Dracula as he always saw Hunyadi as his enemy. 

Mehmed II Becomes The New Sultan

During this period, Mehmed II became the new Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Dracula had met Mehmed II while he was imprisoned by the Ottomans and got along with him as they had a lot in common. But when Dracula heard of the news that he became the new Sultan he knew that Mehmed II would eventually invade both Wallachia and Hungary. 

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Dracula and Hunyadi both disliked the Ottoman Empire and became very close allies and set their differences aside. Hunyadi took Dracula to his service and built up his reputation in Hungary as he would eventually become the leader of Wallachia. 

Hunyadi Grants Vlad Hungarian Support

Dracula became one of Hunyadi's closest friends and eventually convinced him to supply him with men so that he could take back Wallachia. After five years in Hunyadi's service, Dracula was granted Hungarian support so that he could defeat Vladislav II and become the new voivode of Wallachia. 

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Dracula was pleased to have Hunyadi on his side as he was one of the best warriors that Hungary had to offer. It didn't take much time for Dracula to gather the necessary forces to sack Târgovişte. Although Hunyadi had hated Dracula in the past, he knew that he was the best choice to become the new leader of Wallachia. 

Dracula Gained Support Throughout Wallachia

In 1456, Dracula invaded Wallachia with the support of the Hungarians. Although Dracula had Hungarian support he still needed more men to defeat Vladislav II so he gathered men from every village and town in Wallachia that still supported him. 

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The people of Wallachia were in full support of Dracula as he was against Ottoman oppression and had the blood of royalty. Once Dracula had the necessary amount of soldiers to storm Târgovişte, he marched on the capital and was looking forward to killing Vladislav II himself as he had pledged to do so in the past. 

Dracula Avenges His Father And Brother

Once Dracula reached Târgovişte he challenged Vladislav II to battle him in hand-to-hand combat and stated that whoever is defeated will become the leader of Wallachia. Vladislav II accepted Dracula's proposition and faced him in combat. Dracula slayed Vladislav II and reclaimed Târgovişte in his name. 

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Dracula could have let his soldiers kill Vladislav II, but he wanted to prove a point and show that he was a leader that wasn't afraid to fight and get his hands dirty. This marked the first victory of many for Dracula and he was finally able to avenge the deaths of his father and brother. 

Vlad Agreed To Guard Transylvanian Passes

Hunyadi asked Dracula to fulfill his end of the deal after he captured Wallachia, which was to defend the Transylvanian passes that led to Hungary. Since Hunyadi gave Dracula Hungarian support to capture Târgovişte and defeat Vladislav II, he agreed to Hunyadi's deal. 

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Dracula upheld the same duty that his father previously did, which was to defend Holy Christendom from the hordes of the Ottoman Empire. The Sultan was displeased with Dracula's support for the Hungarians but didn't take action as he was dealing with enemies from all fronts. It wasn't until Dracula disrespected the Sultan that the Sultan turned his eyes towards Wallachia. 

Dracula Was Officially Elected As Voivode of Wallachia

On April 15, 1456, Vlad III Dracula was officially elected as the voivode of Wallachia. This was Vlad's second reign as voivode of Wallachia, and his longest, as he would have to flee from Wallachia one more time and have to reclaim his throne again. Dracula won the hearts of the people of Wallachia as he had proven to be a strong and brave leader. 

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There were still some Wallachians that didn't accept Dracula as voivode, but he would soon stamp out any resistance in Wallachia as he needed full control to eventually challenge the Ottoman Empire. 

Vlad Agrees To Pay Yearly Tribute To Sultan 

Once Dracula was elected as the voivode of Wallachia, Mehmed II reached out to him to see if he was still in support of the Ottoman Empire. The Sultan sent dignitaries to Târgovişte, demanding that Dracula pay a yearly tribute to him. Dracula accepted the Sultan's agreement begrudgingly, as he had no other choice. 

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The Hungarians were displeased that Dracula accepted to pay a yearly tribute to the Sultan, but they understood as Wallachia was in a weak state. Although Dracula accepted the agreement, he didn't fully support the Ottomans and was just buying time to rebel against them. 

Dracula Refused To Pay Homage To Sultan 

Mehmed II tested Dracula further as he felt that Dracula wasn't in full support of the Ottoman Empire. The Sultan asked Dracula to pay homage to his reign and invited him to visit a Bulgarian city that was in the hands of the Turks. Since Dracula's father was killed by the previous Sultan when asked to pay homage, he abruptly refused the Sultan's offer. 

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This angered Mehmed II as he now realized that Dracula was playing him the whole time. Luckily for Dracula, the Ottomans couldn't sacrifice any men to invade Wallachia and let the gesture from Dracula slide. 

Vlad Strengthened Wallachia 

Since Dracula was planning to go against the Ottomans he decided to strengthen Wallachia's defenses. Dracula rebuilt most of the castles that were located in Wallachia and even built new defenses that would help him repel the Ottomans or any other forces looking to invade Wallachia. 

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Dracula knew that he had a chance to defeat the Ottomans even though he was greatly outnumbered as Wallachia was a mountainous country that was full of bottlenecks. Dracula gained more support from the Wallachians as he was proving to be a great leader. Unfortunately, Dracula would have to turn into a tyrant to get full control of Wallachia. 

Vlad Fortified Snagov Monastery 

Dracula also fortified the Snagov Monastery as it was normal practice to fortify monasteries during that period as the Ottomans were known to sack them. Snagov Monastery is located on a small island in the middle of a lake so Dracula built a bridge to the mainland and fortified the monastery as much as he could. 

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Dracula even built an escape tunnel as the monastery held Dracula's treasures while he was campaigning. It is believed that the Snagov Monastery is the burial place for Dracula's body but there has been no evidence to prove this other than tales and legends. 

Wallachian Tribes Rebelled Against Vlad

Once Dracula became the voivode of Wallachia there were still some Wallachian tribes that didn't call him their king. This forced Dracula to visit every town and village in Wallachia to strike fear into those that didn't think of him as their leader. 

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It would only be a matter of time before Dracula would get his nickname "Vlad the Impaler" as he had to go to extreme measures just to keep his country under control. While some people called Dracula a hero, he ended up earning a reputation for being one of the most ruthless rulers in Europe. 

Dracula Becomes Vlad The Impaler 

Albu the Great was a Wallachian leader that gathered an army against Dracula and was causing a lot of problems for him. Dracula knew that he had to stamp Albu the Great out in order to have full control over Wallachia. Dracula ambushed Albu the Great and his family and wanted to set an example for anyone that went against him. 

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Dracula had Albu the Great and his whole family impaled, and that is when Dracula became Vlad the Impaler. Dracula knew that this would instill fear across the nation and unite the people toward his cause. 

Vlad's Impalement Process

Dracula's impalement process was quite gruesome as it entailed inserting a sharp sturdy wooden stake into the victim's rectum which would protrude through their mouths. The victims were still alive during the impalement process but often perished once the stakes were placed upright. 

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Dracula invited all the boyars (leaders) to Târgovişte for Easter celebrations and once the celebrations finished, he had all the boyars and their wives impaled as he wanted to instate new leadership throughout Wallachia. Dracula also took all the boyars' children into slavery to rebuild his new kingdom. This is what gave Dracula such a bad name in history as he impaled everyone that opposed him. 

Vlad Rebuilt Wallachia

Once Dracula instated new leadership throughout Wallachia he set out to rebuild his new kingdom. At this point in time, Dracula had killed thousands of people to regain control of Wallachia and he was feared by all that he ruled over. 

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Despite impaling several thousand Wallachians, the people of Wallachia were content with having Dracula as their leader as the Turks were a much bigger threat to their nation. Dracula rebuilt all the villages and towns within Wallachia which in return earned the respect of the Wallachians. Dracula would soon have to face another problem that was arising in the north. 

Dracula Granted The Romanian Orthodox Church Special Immunities 

Dracula supported the Romanian Orthodox Church and granted them special tax immunities in return for their full support. The Romanian Orthodox Church was happy to agree to Dracula's terms as he not only gave them tax breaks but also protected them from Ottoman raids. 

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Dracula knew that the Romanian Orthodox Church was one of the best ways to spread the word to the people that he was the one and true leader of Wallachia. This was yet another calculated move that Dracula did to secure his reign over his kingdom. 

Dracula Sacked Saxon Towns In Transylvania

Once Dracula secured his kingdom, a new threat arose in the north as the Saxon towns of Transylvania were rebelling against his reign. Dracula knew that he couldn't ignore this new threat as certain members of his family were claiming the right to his throne. 

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Dracula himself confronted the Saxons and sacked several small towns located in Transylvania. Dracula had the full support of the Hungarians as they themselves hated that the Saxons were gaining so much power in Transylvania. It was also part of his duty to protect Transylvania from any threats and this was one big problem for both nations. 

Saxon Propaganda 

Dracula ended up earning his vile reputation from Saxon propaganda which portrayed him as a blood-sucking monster. This is one of the reasons why Bram Stoker decided to turn Dracula's true history into the legend that we know as Dracula today. 

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The Saxons were eager to paint a bad picture of Dracula so that all of Europe would see him for what he truly was. The Saxons had good reasons to do so as Dracula impaled everyone that was his enemy and wreaked havoc across all of Saxon-owned Transylvania. Dracula lived up to his vile reputation and didn't compromise with anyone. 

Vlad Waged War On The Saxons

Dracula waged war on the Saxons from 1456 to 1460 and killed thousands of Saxons in the process. Dracula was afraid that he was losing control of Wallachia and was forced to fight the Saxons as his previous attacks led to more resistance. There were several Saxon factions that endangered Wallachia so he decided to purge all of Transylvania of Saxons. 

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Amazingly, Dracula was never defeated in a battle by the Saxons as he was a skillful warrior and general. It was only a matter of time before he would wipe out all who resisted him as his army became overwhelmingly large. 

Dracula Won The War Against The Saxons

In 1460, Dracula won the war against the Saxons as he had wiped out all who opposed him. Hungary was grateful that Dracula and his forces were able to expel the Saxons from Transylvania but they still didn't trust him as Dracula was still paying tributes to the Ottoman Sultan. 

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Throughout Transylvania, Dracula captured and imprisoned several thousand Saxons and sent them to Târgovişte to be impaled upon Dracula's return. Dracula wanted to send a message to everyone that he was not to be trifled. After the Saxon war, Dracula was forever known as Vlad the Impaler. 

Vlad Ate Breakfast While His Enemies Were Impaled 

Dracula was said to have eaten his breakfast among a forest of impaled people and enjoyed the sight before him. This was yet another horror story that was surprisingly true about Dracula as many accounts prove that he actually did this. 

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Once Dracula returned to Târgovişte after the war with the Saxons, he had all of his prisoners impaled and placed in front of the city. This would later prove to help Dracula when the Ottomans decided to wage war on Wallachia as it would instill so much fear that the Ottomans decided not to pursue him. 

Dracula's Ally Was Killed By The Sultan

One of Dracula's closest allies, Michael the Brave, was on a reconnaissance mission in Bulgaria and was captured by the Ottomans. The Turks tried to get valuable information about Hungarian and Wallachian forces but Michael the Brave refused to give any information which resulted in his death.  

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Once Dracula found out that Michael the Brave was killed by the Sultan's men he was furious as they killed him in a brutal way by sawing him in half. This was the final straw for Dracula, he decided to stop paying tribute to the Sultan and started to prepare for war. 

Ottomans Send An Envoy To Dracula's Court

Mehmed II was concerned about Dracula's power and sent an envoy to Dracula's court to see if they can swindle him to their side. The Ottomans sent three diplomatic dignitaries to confront Dracula and see if he was loyal to Mehmed II. Once the dignitaries arrived, Dracula ordered the Turks to remove their turbans from their heads to show a sign of respect to him.  

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The Turkish dignitaries informed Dracula that their religion didn't allow them to remove their turbans. Dracula took this the wrong way and ordered his men to drive metal spikes into the heads of the dignitaries so that their turbans would be permanently attached to them. 

Dracula Declares War On The Sultan

Dracula was ambushed by Mehmed II's forces in Wallachia but he knew what was coming long before the ambush as he was given intel about the secret ambush that Mehmed II planned. Dracula outsmarted his enemy and ambushed the ambushers. 

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Dracula then declared war on Mehmed II as he knew that the Sultan wanted him dead. This would be the beginning of a years-long war between the Ottomans and Wallachia. Mehmed II was quite surprised by Dracula's actions and never thought that he would go against the Ottoman Empire. Dracula took this opportunity to raid the lands of Ottoman-owned Bulgaria. 

Vlad Raids Ottoman Bulgaria 

Dracula gathered a large army and marched in Ottoman Bulgaria to wreak havoc on the people in the region. Dracula lived up to his infamy as he killed over 23,000 people. Dracula and his men collected all the ears and noses of the people that they slayed and sent them to the king of Hungary as proof that he declared war on the Ottomans.  

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Dracula spent several months raiding Bulgaria which in turn angered Mehmed II. The Sultan knew that he needed to get rid of Dracula quickly as he had proven to be a mighty warrior and general. 

Sultan Gathers An Army To Defeat Dracula

Mehmed II raised an army of 150,000 troops to invade Wallachia as he wanted to get rid of Dracula once and for all. Dracula and the Wallachians were prepared to fend off an invading force but they were taken aback by the sheer number of troops that were in the Sultan's army. 

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Dracula's brother, Radu, joined Mehmed II and groomed him to become the next king of Wallachia. Mehmed II expected the invasion of Wallachia to be short but Dracula had other things in mind and made the invasion last much longer than Mehmed II would have liked. 

Night Attack At Târgoviște

Dracula wanted to end the invasion of the Ottomans and decided to attack Mehmed II's camp at night. The battle would go on to be called the Night Attack of Târgoviște. Dracula waited with 30,000 horsemen until night fell to attack the Sultan's camp. The Turks were caught in complete surprise and suffered 15,000 casualties from the surprise attack. 

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Dracula wasn't able to reach Mehmed II as he was guarded by his finest warriors who were equipped with rifles. But he did instill fear into Mehmed II as he nearly got away with killing him. This goes on to be Dracula's most successful battle. 

Dracula Scares Off The Sultan's Forces 

Mehmed II was angered by Dracula's surprise attack and decided to march all his forces toward Târgovişte. What Mehmed II and his men found shook them to the bone as the sight before them was something that they had never seen. When the Sultan and his forces reached the outskirts of Târgovişte they were horrified to find a forest of impaled Turkish troops that ran for two miles up to the walls of Târgovişte. 

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This sight alone made Mehmed II and his forces turn around immediately as they didn't want to fight such a savage enemy. This would mark the victory over the Ottomans but Dracula still had one more person to worry about. 

Dracula's Brother Gathers Support

Dracula's brother, Radu, stayed in Wallachia with a large Ottoman force and started to gather support throughout the nation. The people of Wallachia were getting tired of Dracula's ruthless rule and turned to Radu as he was more of a rational man. 

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Since Dracula was known as Vlad the Impaler, his reputation didn't help him with gathering support in Wallachia, and he started to worry again about his reign. Radu on the other hand started to gain confidence as a large number of Wallachians wanted him to become the new king of Wallachia. Dracula would have to leave his country once again and try to take it back. 

Vlad Flees To Transylvania

As Radu gained more control of Wallachia, Dracula had to flee to Transylvania. Dracula was losing supporters every day to Radu as people feared that the Ottomans would invade Wallachia again. Although the people of Wallachia favored Dracula's defeat of Mehmed II, they still were fearful of his reputation. 

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The king of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus, then captured Dracula and falsely accused him of joining forces with the Turks to overthrow Hungary. Dracula might have been a prisoner but he wasn't treated like one and ended up earning loyalty with Matthias Corvinus. Corvinus then released Dracula from imprisonment and allowed him to retake back Wallachia. 

Vlad Claims The Throne One Last Time 

Matthias Corvinus did not supply Dracula with any troops but allowed him to gather forces in Transylvania and Wallachia. The king of Hungary didn't trust Radu, who had become the voivode of Wallachia, and wanted Dracula to take his place as he had proven to be a true Christian man. 

Photo Courtesy: [Alex/Wikimedia Commons]

Dracula was also given the task to defeat the Ottomans in Bosnia by Corvinus which Dracula easily completed as he disguised his army as Turks and took the enemy by surprise. Now that Dracula completed his task, he set his eyes on Wallachia and swore to take back the throne. 

Stephen The Great Helps Vlad Restore Order

Stephen the Great joined forces with Dracula to retake Wallachia in 1476. He was also joined by Transylvanian and Hungarian forces as he gathered all of his allies. With the help of Stephen the Great, Dracula and his forces easily retook Târgovişte and on November 26th of that year, he was crowned as the voivode of Wallachia for the third time. 

Photo Courtesy: [Asybaris01/Wikimedia Commons]

Dracula then stamped out any resistance towards his reign and restored order in Wallachia. Dracula would go on to help Stephen the Great retake Moldova but didn't participate in the war, instead, he sent thousands of men to help Stephen regain the throne. 

Dracula Was Killed Only One Month After He Regained The Throne

Dracula's third reign over Wallachia was short-lived as he died in battle only a month after he retook the throne. Dracula and his 2,000 troops were cornered by Ottoman forces in Wallachia and massacred. It is believed that Dracula's head was severed from his body and was put on a stake to be displayed all over Constantinople. 

Photo Courtesy: [Korinna/Wikimedia Commons]

It is said that Dracula's body was retrieved by the monks of the Snagov Monastery and buried on the island that the monastery stood on. Basarab the Old became the new voivode of Wallachia and Dracula was forgotten by all in Wallachia. 

Vlad The Impaler 

Vlad Dracula is still an important figure in Romania and is considered to be one of the most prominent leaders during the Middle Ages despite his atrocities. Vlad's true story has been overshadowed by the Dracula that we think of today but that fictional story still has some truths behind it. 

Photo Courtesy: [Korinna/Wikimedia Commons]

Vlad Dracula defended against an unbelievable horde and was able to repel them with cunning tactics. Dracula went to extraordinary lengths to keep control of Wallachia and created a reputation that is still feared today. 

I hope you have enjoyed this article about Dracula's true history and learned something along the way.