Looking for an accurate and detailed timeline of Vlad the Impaler s life and reign?
Then look no further. This timeline and the below infographic present the most important events from the life of the infamous and merciless Wallachian ruler, while also adding a bit of historical context.
1431 – Vlad the Impaler is born, most likely in Sighisoara, modern-day Romania.
1436 – Vlad II Dracul(Vlad’s father) becomes voivode of Wallachia after defeating his rival, Alexandru Aldea.
Vlad II Dracul’s rule is recognized by the boyars, the Kingdom of Hungary and the Ottomans.
1437, January 20 – first historical mention in an official document of Vlad the Impaler’s name.
1437, January 20-August 02 – Vlad’s third brother, future Radu the Handsome is born.
1447 – Vlad the Impaler’s Father and older brother are killed during a conspiracy.
1448, October 31 – Vlad the Impaler sends an official document to the people of Brasov.
It is an important historical source for dating his first and shortest reign.
1448 November – Vlad the Impaler is forced to abandon his throne and takes refuge to the Ottomans.
1451 –Murad II dies and is succeded by Mehmed II as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
1450-1451 – Vlad the Impaler arrives in Moldova and seeks refuge at the court of the Moldavian ruler, his uncle, Bogdan II.
1451, October 17 – Bogdan II, the ruler of Moldova is assassinated and Vlad is forced to flee to Transylvania.
1453 May 29 – Siege of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II conquers the last major stronghold of the Byzantine Empire.
1452-1456 – Vlad the Impaler continuously seeks military and financial support so he can regain the throne of Wallachia.
During this time, Vlad the Impaler gains influence and becomes an important ally of John Hunyadi.
Between 1453-1456, Vlad is also presented to the King of Hungary, Ladislau V as the future voivode of Wallachia.
1456, before July 03 – John Hunyadi appoints Vlad the Impaler as commander of a small armed force on the Southern border of Transilvania.
This role will facilitate the reconquest of Wallachia by Vlad the Impaler.
1456, July 4–22 – Siege of Belgrade, John Hunyadi defeats the Ottoman armies led by Sultan Mehmed II and lifts the siege of the city.
1456(July-August) – Vlad the Impaler defeats his rival Vladislav II in a duel and regains the throne of Wallachia.
1457(March-April) – Vlad the Impaler supports with a small military force the rise of Stephen the Great to the throne of Moldavia.
1457 – At the orders of Vlad the Impaler, the Poenari Citadel is restored.
1457(April-Mai) – reprisal raids against Sibiu and Tara Birsei by Vlad the Impaler, because these cities supported claimants to his throne
1458 – Matthias Corvinus becomes the King of Hungary.
1458 – Matthias Corvinus orders the merchants from Brasov to conclude a peace with Vlad the Impaler.
1458-1459 – Vlad continues his commercial disputes against the merchants from Transylvania.
1459(after April) – The great boyar rebellion led by Albu the Great is crushed by Vlad the Impaler.
1459 – Vlad the Impaler refuses to pay the tribute to the Ottomans.
1460 – Pope Pius II, declares the start of a new crusade.
1460, March 2 – another claimant to the throne of Wallachia, Dan the Young announces his intentions to attack the country.
1460 – Near Rucar-Bran, the army of the claimant Dan the Young is defeated by Vlad the Impaler.
1461(November-December) – The Ottomans demand that Vlad the Impaler should cease his alliance with Hungary.
Vlad the Impaler refuses.
1461 December -1462 January – Vlad the Impaler’s army launches a lightning military campaign against the Ottoman-held settlements south of the Danube. Dobruja is liberated and for a short time reunited with Wallachia.
1462, February 11 – Vlad the Impaler writes to Matthias Corvinus, he speaks about the victories against the Ottomans and asks for additional military support.
1462, March 04 – Matthias Corvinus promises additional support.
1462, May – The Ottoman army led personally by Sultan Mehmed II approaches the Danube.
Vlad the Impaler takes measures to defend Wallachia
1462, June, – the Ottomans cross the Danube and enter Wallachia.
1462, June 16-17 – Vlad the Impaler and his army organize a daring Night Attack and inflict heavy casualties on the Ottoman army(around 15.000 troops).
Despite the heavy losses, the Ottoman army still arrives near the capital city of Targoviste where they are greeted by the “Forest of Impaled”/
1462, June 22 – The fortress of Chilia is attacked by the Ottomans. The attack is also supported by Stephen the Great.
1462, June 23 – During their retreat, around the city of Buzau, the Ottomans suffer another defeat.
1462, June 29 – the Ottomans completely abandon Wallachia.
1462, August 04 – Matthias Corvinus arrives in Transilvania.
1462 – July- October – Continuous fighting between Vlad the Impaler and his brother Radu the Handsome for the control of Wallachia.
1462 October – Vlad is forced to abandon Wallachia and flees into Transylvania.
In Brasov, he meets with Matthias Corvinus.
1462, before November – Vlad the Impaler is arrested at the orders of the King of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus.
1474 July- August – Fighting for the throne of Wallachia between Radu the Handsome and Laiota Basarab
1476, November 08 – Vlad the Impaler’s forces occupy the city of Targoviste, the capital of Wallachia
1476, November 16 – Bucharest is occupied by Vlad the Impaler
1476, November 26 – Vlad the Impaler is reelected voivode of Wallachia.
Vlad the Impaler, Stephen the Great, and Stephen Bathory conclude an alliance and promise to continue the fight against the Ottomans.
1476 end of December – 1477 start of January – Vlad the Impaler is assassinated, most likely during a plot. The exact details of Vlad the Impaler’s death are still disputed.