Dracula

In the 1800s, Bram Stoker, created the first mythical vampire, Count Dracula.  It is possible that Bram Stoker recreated and elaborated the life of Romanian prince, Vlad Dracula III (DRAH-coo-lah). He was a Wallachian prince who ruled Romania from 1456 to 1462.

Dracula means "Son of the Dragon". "Dracul" means dragon and the "a" stands for "children of."

During the 15th century, the Turks conquered Central and Eastern Europe and headed towards Romania.  As a sign to the invading Turks, Dracula would impale his enemies on spikes and thrust them high in the air.  He is said to have killed over 40,000 people.  This earned him the title of "Vlad the Impaler".  The invaders got the hint and backed off.  It is thought he was mad and legends tell of cruelty, unimaginable torture, and horrid treatment of others.  There were even rumors that he would drink the blood of his victims.