Vlad III "Dracula"
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
The birth of Vlad III and his father Vlad II was preceded by centuries of conflicts between Muslims and Christians, known as the Crusades.
In 1408, the Order of the Dragon Crusaders was formed to defend Catholicism against Ottoman Muslims and Orthodox Christians.
Vlad III is one of the most complex characters in history because of the many legends associated with his name, It is difficult to distinguish between truth and fiction in his story.
In Romania and Bulgaria, people consider him a national hero and the only one who could stand up to the Ottoman state at the height of its power.
Others see him as a war criminal who killed women, children, and elders, using impalement as a method of execution.
His gruesome stories inspired the Irish writer Bram Stoker to create his famous novel, Dracula.
Sigismund's Attempt to Control Wallachia
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
In the old days, the Ottoman state was a constant threat to Europe, with the Wallachia region serving as a buffer zone that prevented direct conflict between the Ottomans and the Hungarians.
The control of this territory was crucial, and it could be achieved not necessarily through military intervention, but by ensuring the ruler of Wallachia was under the influence of either the Ottoman state or Hungary.
It was agreed that the ruler of Wallachia would allow his son Vlad II to grow up and be raised in Budapest, the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, under the supervision of Sigismund, the ruler of Hungary, to ensure his loyalty.
However, the situation was challenging for Sigismund, who struggled to keep the ruler of Wallachia in power.
The ruler was twice excluded from rule, and Sigismund had to intervene militarily twice to maintain his position until his death in 1418.
Sigismund believed this was an opportunity for Vlad II, whom he had nurtured and who had shown loyalty.
However, a civil war broke out in Wallachia that lasted 18 years, from 1418 to 1436, with five rulers succeeding one another.
This period became an opportunity for Vlad II to learn much about governance.
Initially, the relationship between Sigismund and Vlad II was similar to that of a prisoner and jailer, but over time, Sigismund began to treat Prince Vlad II as one of his own sons.
Later, Sigismund gave Vlad II the name "Dracul," meaning dragon, which officially made him a member of the Dragon organization (Order of the Dragon).
This organization consisted of the most important Christian knights, and their primary task was to prevent the Ottomans from expanding further into Europe.
Peace Treaty
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
In 1434, Sigismund decided to remove the ruler of Wallachia, who was one of Vlad II's brothers.
This decision came after the ruler changed his father's policy and chose to align with Sultan Murad II of the Ottoman state, signing a peace agreement that effectively placed Wallachia under Ottoman control.
In 1436, Vlad II invaded Wallachia with a Hungarian-supported army, became the ruler, and canceled the peace treaty with the Ottoman state.
Sultan Murad II viewed this cancellation as a declaration of war and prepared a large army to march on Wallachia.
Unfortunately for Vlad II, King Sigismund died during this time, and Hungary was experiencing political division and internal conflicts over governance.
Vlad II quickly sought to appease Sultan Murad II by allowing the Ottoman army to pass through his territory to Hungary.
However, the Hungarians defeated the Ottoman army, making Vlad II an enemy of Hungary, He soon apologized to the Hungarian ruler to mitigate the damage.
Vlad III "Dracula"
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
In 1442, Vlad II signed a peace treaty with John Hunyadi, the ruler of Transylvania, a region under Hungarian control that was similar to Wallachia.
The Ottomans sought to take possession of Transylvania militarily and sought Vlad II's help.
However, Vlad II refused to fight alongside them but agreed to allow the Ottoman army to pass through Wallachia.
After Vlad II's refusal to join the Ottoman army, Sultan Murad II initially ordered his execution but ultimately returned him to Wallachia with three conditions:
- A pledge not to oppose Ottoman interests in Eastern Europe.
- An annual tribute of 500 children from prominent Wallachian families to join the Janissaries (Ottoman special forces).
- Sending two of his sons to reside at the Ottoman court under Murad II's supervision.
Vlad II complied, sending his 7-year-old son Radu and 11-year-old Vlad III, who was later named Dracula (meaning "son of the dragon") after his father Vlad II (Dracul, meaning "dragon").
Unjustified Folly
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
The two brothers were completely opposite in character and appearance.
Radu was good-natured, handsome, and fond of the Turks, unlike his brother Vlad III, who had a more austere demeanor and harbored a deep dislike for the Turks, though he kept his feelings hidden.
Both were acquainted with Mehmed II, the son of Murad II and Crown Prince of the Ottoman Empire.
Radu grew close to Mehmed II out of genuine affection, while Vlad III cultivated proximity as a strategic means of studying his enemy.
Meanwhile, Vlad II committed a fateful error by allying with John Hunyadi, the governor of Transylvania, and together they went to war against the Ottoman state, only to be defeated.
Vlad II subsequently returned to Murad II to seek forgiveness and reunite with his sons, However, John Hunyadi viewed this as a betrayal and declared war on Vlad II.
Ultimately, John Hunyadi killed Vlad II and appointed Wladyslaw as the governor of Wallachia.
John Hunyadi and Wladyslaw Rebellion
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
John Hunyadi and Wladyslaw formed an army, continued opposing the Ottomans, and daringly advanced to the outskirts of Kosovo.
At 17, Murad II summoned Vlad III "Dracula", placing a hand on his shoulder and embracing him.
He began recounting how John Hunyadi had killed his father and family in the most brutal manner, describing the mutilation and bloodshed.
This was calculated to ensure Dracula's loyalty and secure control over two critical border regions.
Murad II divided his army: one half accompanying Dracula to invade Wallachia and install him on the throne, the other half with himself to repel John Hunyadi and Wladyslaw's attack.
In the famous Battle of Kosovo, John Hunyadi and Wladyslaw's troops were defeated, The massive casualties made it impossible for Murad II to identify their bodies.
Vlad III successfully entered Wallachia and claimed the throne.
However, contrary to expectations, Wladyslaw survived, raised another army, invaded Wallachia, expelled Vlad III, and returned to Murad II, Wladyslaw subsequently became Wallachia's ruler.
John Hunyadi would later become Prince of Hungary, However, his performance in the Kosovo war would not be easily forgotten, and the Hungarians would not view him simply as a defeated man who surrendered.
A Break in Dracula's Life
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
Wladyslaw found himself caught between two powerful forces: the Ottoman state on his left and Hungary on his right, both coveting Wallachia's territory.
While it might have seemed logical for Wladyslaw to align with the Hungarians, his advisers suggested a strategic approach.
They recommended sending a letter to Murad II containing just two words: "Your requests?"
When Vlad III learned of the negotiations between the Ottomans and Wladyslaw, he, understanding the treacherous nature of politics, fled to his uncle, the ruler of Moldova, He feared Murad II would hand him over to Wladyslaw.
Dracula experienced three years that were arguably the calmest and happiest of his life.
These years were like a halftime break before the tumultuous second half began.
This period ended with the deaths of two crucial figures in Dracula's life: first, his uncle, the ruler of Moldova, who was killed in a military coup organized by his half-brother, and second, Sultan Murad II.
Murad was succeeded by his son Mehmet II, who had grown up with Dracula and would later be known historically as Mehmed the Conqueror.
Conquest of Constantinople
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
In 1453, Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, a feat that had eluded Islamic leaders throughout history, As a result, he earned the title "Mohammed the Conqueror."
Constantinople was Europe's final fortress, particularly for the Hungarians, against the Ottoman state, The Conqueror sent waves of horror throughout Europe.
John Hunyadi, now ruling Hungary, anticipated that Wladyslaw, the governor of Wallachia, would quickly pledge allegiance to Mehmed II, In response, John Hunyadi made a strategic move.
Driven by political expediency, John Hunyadi allied with Vlad III "Dracula" - the same man who had once vowed to Murad II that he would only be satisfied after drinking John Hunyadi's blood.
John Hunyadi saw Dracula as the ideal alternative to Wladyslaw, He believed Vlad III was uniquely positioned to lead the confrontation against the Ottomans, having been trained and raised among them.
Moreover, John Hunyadi could guarantee Vlad III's claim to the Wallachian throne - a crucial incentive for Dracula.
Siege of Belgrade
In 1456, three years after the conquest of Constantinople, John Hunyadi and Vlad III faced the Ottoman forces at the walls of Belgrade.
Vlad III's role was to prevent Wladyslaw's forces from supporting Mehmed II, while John Hunyadi was tasked with breaking the Ottoman siege and reinforcing the city's defense.
What seemed like a suicide mission miraculously succeeded.
Mehmed II's forces were compelled to lift the siege and withdraw, However, the victory was bittersweet.
Due to the siege, malnutrition, and rotting corpses, a plague struck Belgrade, claiming John Hunyadi's life among its most significant victims.
Seizing the moment, Vlad III swiftly entered Wallachia and confronted Wladyslaw.
The most credible account suggests they engaged in a duel for the throne, with Vlad III emerging victorious by killing Wladyslaw and claiming the Wallachian throne.
Dracula's Terrifying Law
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
As soon as Vlad III ascended the throne of Wallachia, he began executing his opponents through a brutal method of execution called impalement.
He would use a wooden spear, oil its pointed end, and strike a person's body in a way that did not immediately kill them.
The spear would penetrate through the body, lifting the victim so they remained suspended, experiencing excruciating pain until they bled to death.
This execution method earned him the historical nickname "Vlad the Impaler."
In 1457, Vlad III sent a letter to Mehmed the Conqueror proposing a truce, He offered to pay 2,000 gold coins annually and allow Ottoman armies to cross his land.
This was not submission, but a strategic move to buy time for his planned purge of Wallachia.
The streets of Wallachia became a landscape of terror, Dracula executed anyone suspected of plotting against him, including their entire family, His brutal legal system was horrifying:
- Murderers were beheaded.
- Unfaithful women were skinned alive.
- Peasants taking unauthorized days off were impaled.
- Essentially, life under Dracula was a living hell.
Two notorious tales illustrate his cruelty:
- When bankers complained about the country's debt, he reportedly invited them to a feast, locked them in the palace, and burned them down.
- When a church delegation criticized his execution methods, he allegedly had the priests impaled in front of the people.
Enmity with the Ottomans
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
Although Vlad III "Dracula" was a bloody dictator, readers should understand that Wallachia's fundamental problem was the corruption of its ruling class.
Without their internal conflicts, Wallachia would not have been vulnerable to the territorial ambitions of Hungary and the Ottomans, Vlad III saw eliminating this corrupt elite as necessary.
In 1457, Vlad III had pledged to send 2,000 gold pieces to Mehmed the Conqueror.
By 1461, he had not paid for three consecutive years, In response, Mehmed sent a delegation consisting of a general, two ambassadors, and several soldiers to summon Vlad III to his court.
Dracula responded brutally, slaughtering the soldiers and executing the general and ambassadors using his preferred method of impalement.
Not content with eliminating the delegation, Dracula launched extensive massacres and committed war crimes against Ottoman villages along Wallachia's border.
Union of Pope Vatican and Vlad III
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
After the conquest of Constantinople, Europe was gripped by fear, Many believed Mehmed the Conqueror would not be satisfied until he invaded Rome, which would signify the end of Catholic Christianity.
The potential threat prompted Pope Pius II to finance a crusade against the Ottoman state, providing funds to Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and Frederick III of the Holy Roman Empire.
However, these kings appropriated the money for their own purposes, leaving the Pope feeling hopeless.
Simultaneously, Vlad III had two primary objectives: maintaining his throne and securing funds to strengthen his army.
These goals aligned with the Pope's interests, leading the Pope to finance Vlad III.
Dracula's defeat
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| Vlad III "Dracula" |
In 1462, Vlad III's attack on Ottoman villages provoked Mehmed the Conqueror to lead an army of 70,000 fighters and 120 field artillery pieces to eliminate him.
Notably, Radu, Vlad III's brother, was among the Ottoman army's commanders.
Vlad III quickly evacuated Wallachia's cities, ordering residents to seek shelter in the mountains.
He burned the cities and poisoned wells and rivers to deny resources to the Ottoman army—a strategy now known as the "scorched earth policy," similar to that used by Soviets against Nazi invaders in World War II.
Through systematic and random campaigns, Vlad III and his army successfully attacked Ottoman battalions and captured many soldiers.
Exploiting his fluent Turkish, he and some troops disguised themselves in Ottoman captives' clothing and infiltrated the army's camp, even reaching Mehmed the Conqueror's tent, Finding it empty, he was forced to withdraw to the mountains.
Mehmed the Conqueror entered Wallachia's capital (now Bucharest) and was confronted with a horrifying scene: over 20,000 impaled and bound corpses left as a grotesque message.
Mehmed installed Radu as Wallachia's ruler and left a protective army. Meanwhile, Dracula learned that Hungary's King Matthias Corvinus was marching to annex Wallachia.
Vlad III offered to become Hungary's servant if Matthias would help him reclaim his throne, The king agreed, but upon Vlad III's arrival, he was captured.
The End
Matthias Corvinus forged letters from Vlad III claiming he was conspiring with Mehmed the Conqueror against the Pope, Christianity, and Europe to seize Rome.
Surprisingly, the Pope believed Matthias Corvinus's fabrication.
The Pope allied with Matthias Corvinus to arrest Vlad III, who was imprisoned for 14 years in Hungary.
During this period, significant changes occurred, Radu was removed from Wallachia's rule by a military coup, and tensions arose between Vlad III's cousin Stephen and Mehmed the Conqueror.
In 1476, Matthias Corvinus released Vlad III to join his cousin's army against the Ottoman state.
However, they were defeated by Mehmed the Conqueror, and Dracula was killed in battle.
At that time, weekly newspapers with printing technology sensationalized Dracula's crimes.
Perspectives varied: some saw him as a brutal tyrant, while others considered him a national hero for resisting the Ottomans.
Vlad III was not a vampire as portrayed in movies, but a historical figure who committed horrific war crimes, Perceptions differ between Romania and the outside world.
Romania originally consisted of three territories: Moldova, Wallachia, and Transylvania.
Over the next century:
- Moldova and Wallachia became Ottoman provinces.
- Transylvania remained independent, later becoming part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
By 1878, Moldova and Wallachia gained independence as Romania, After World War I, Transylvania joined Romania.
The driving force behind their centuries-long struggle for independence was the legacy of historical figures like Vlad III, who fought against Ottoman expansion.
For Romanians, he symbolizes pride, dignity, and resistance.
The narrative concludes with a philosophical reflection: your posthumous legacy depends on the story you choose to tell during your lifetime.