Vlad III or Vlad the Impaler is a rather provocative personality. His figure is associated with extreme cruelty, and the name evokes images of a bloodthirsty monster — a vampire. However, recent research indicates that he had an unexpected diabetic predilection for veganism.
Experts from the University of Catania focused on manuscripts attributed to Vlad III. These historical documents, dated as early as August 4, 1475, open a unique window into the life and habits of this ruler. One of these letters, addressed to the townspeople of Sibiu, bears Vlad's signature.
Using the latest research methods, scientists made an unconventional journey into the past, extracting various "historical biomolecules" from the letters, including blood, sweat, fingerprints and saliva. Analysis of these samples yielded unexpected results. Absence of proteins of animal food in leaves seemed abnormal to the researchers.
This suggests that Vlad the Impaler may have followed a plant-based diet. The discovery challenges the traditional perception of Vlad as a carnivorous ruler.
At the same time, scientists pay attention to the harsh conditions of life in Europe in the 15th century, which was characterized by a cold climate and limited food resources. This could force aristocrats like Vlad to adopt a meager diet with limited meat consumption. So, switching to a plant-based diet in that era is more a matter of necessity than preference.
Analysis of the leaves also revealed that the formidable ruler may have suffered from hemolacria, a rare disease in which people shed tears mixed with blood.
In the 19th century, Irish writer Bram Stoker got acquainted with the legend of the count. It was she and the materials of the chronicles that inspired him to create the adventure novel "Dracula".
And it is this image that has been troubling readers for more than a century. Interest in it does not fade, judging by the numerous reprints of this book and the many literary and cinematic variations on this topic.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
