One of history’s most sadistic and violent rulers, Vlad the Impaler earned his reputation and nickname by driving stakes through the bodies of thousands (yes, thousands), mostly enemies, some friends. Legend and myth have also come to associate Vlad as one of the inspirations for the eponymous villain of Bram Stoker’s Dracula – but is this entirely the case? We dive into the history of Vlad’s penchant for revenge, his tyrannical rule, and his lasting impact on popular culture.