Vlad the Impaler is one of history’s most terrifying villains. A leader who used torture, terrorism, and sadistic punishment to retain his grip on power. Though he was considered a folk hero by some in his homeland, for many, he’s the inspiration behind the most spine-chilling tale of all time: Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
But what sparked Vlad’s bloodthirsty obs ... Show More
Oct 4
The English Civil Wars, Part 2 of 2
The First English Civil War ended with King Charles I defeated, his armies broken, and his cause apparently lost. But military victory for the Parliamentarians brought no real peace. Instead, the months that followed saw an even more volatile struggle, as Parliament turned on its ... Show More
53m 6s
Aug 2008
Vlad Tepes: Who was the real Count Dracula?
<p>Vlad Tepes, a 15th-century Wallachian prince, was the notoriously blood-thirsty basis for Dracula, Bram Stoker's classic gothic horror character. Check out our HowStuffWorks article to learn more about Vlad Tepes.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https: ... Show More
10m 2s
Dec 2024
Nosferatu Rises Again (feat. Robert Eggers)
**For this HTW special feature, Sally interviews director Robert Eggers about his new historically inspired film, Nosferatu.**Winter, 1476. Vlad III is a prince in Wallachia, in present-day Romania. He is a violent man, so violent that he earns the nickname "Vlad the Impaler." He ... Show More
21m 30s