The "Real" Dracula

Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), AKA Prince Dracula
Dates: 1431-1476

"Dracul": Prince of the Order of the Dragon (Dracul=Dragon, also "Devil")

Founded 1387 by Holy Roman Emperor
Wore black cape and dragon insignia medallion
Place: Transylvania

Ruled in Romania near Black Sea
For some astonishing images of "Draculand, plus a fascinating travel diary, consult the "Dracula Home Page" maintained by Professor Elizabeth Miller of Newfoundland, Canada. Here is a sample (images are being called from her site, so be patient. They are worth the wait):
Vlad's Birthplace
Vlad's Palace in Tirgoviste
Vlad's Fortress at Poenari
The Borgo Pass
A monument to Vlad Tepes
The monastery where Vlad's grave is
Area vulnerable to invasion, disease
Conquered by Turks,Tatars
Vlad spent time as Turkish captive, learned new forms of torture
Saw father and brother killed, became ruthlessly ambitious
Reputation for Cruelty

May have killed tens or even 100,000 people, especially by impaling and torture.
Killed "unchaste" women, "bad" wives
Killed entire families and villages suspected of disloyalty
Killed off poor workers, blind, crippled, sick,vagabonds, beggars, etc. by burning them to death at a banquet
Nailed hats to heads of certain religious visitors
Allegedly liked to watch victims suffer and die; allegedly practiced cannibalism or drank blood
Became known as vampire from words = "blood-monster" or "blood-drinker"

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DRUKULA ? MAY DRUKULA BA SA TOTOONG BUHAY O SA SINE LANG YON ?TOTOO KYA ?SA TANDA KO NANG ITO D KO PA ALAM KUNG ANG DRUKALA AY TOTOO NGANG MAY RON?