WALLACHIA · 1431–1476
Vlad Dracula
Prince of Wallachia · Warrior · Political Survivor
- TOOK THE THRONE
- 17
- REIGNS
- 3 times
- AGE AT DEATH
- about 45
He defended a fragile realm through terror and force
Vlad III ruled Wallachia, a small principality caught between the expanding Ottoman Empire and powerful Hungarian interests. His position depended on shifting alliances and local rivals.
Could You Hold Wallachia?
Take his place. Survive stronger empires, unreliable allies, and a court where weakness can be fatal.
Timeline
History, Step by Step
His rule came in brief, violent chapters. Every return to power depended on alliances that could quickly collapse.
- 1448
THE FIRST REIGN
With Ottoman support, the teenage Vlad briefly takes the Wallachian throne before a rival forces him out.
BRIEF CROWN - 1456
A RETURN TO POWER
Backed by Hungary, Vlad defeats his rival and begins the longest and most consequential of his three reigns.
THE RETURN - 1457
POWER THROUGH FEAR
He moves against rival nobles and uses public punishment to break resistance to central authority.
TERROR - 1461
WAR WITH THE OTTOMANS
Vlad stops paying tribute and attacks Ottoman positions south of the Danube, inviting a major response.
OPEN REVOLT - 1462
THE NIGHT ATTACK
Facing a much larger invasion, Vlad leads a surprise assault on the Ottoman camp near Târgoviște.
BOLD STRIKE - 1476
THE FINAL RETURN
Vlad regains the throne for a third time but is killed soon afterward during renewed fighting.
THE END
