During a recent Halloween Party, someone dressed in a Dracula costume claimed that Dracula was a real person. I said no, Dracula is a creation from the Hollywood vampire movies. Do you agree?

- Jack L., Gulf Shores, AL

Your costumed friend is right. Prince Vlad III Dracula (1431-1476), was a real person. He was extremely cruel to his political, criminal and military enemies and enjoyed torturing and killing them. His bloodthirstiness gave rise to the vampire legends. Please refer to the HistoryBits drawing and history overview in the MORE? section of this web site for more information.