Vlad the Impaler lived in an extremely violent and unsettling time in world history. On page 33, the author states, "... the local populace would choose to hide in forests or monasteries if there was a major war or a disaster. The cities themselves were poorly fortified, with either flimsy brick or wood enclosures around them." Life during these times must have been truly terrifying. People who lived in the fortified cities had a very high chance of dying (gruesomely). This book talks about the 'scorched earth' policy followed by the military leaders. Life seems to have been short and often violent during the time outlined in this book. Think about it -- they only had what they could glean from the forests because they were in hiding and could not farm to feed themselves. Unrest and wars seemed to be the most common state of their lives.
Obviously, Vlad the Impaler was a complex person. Forced to live amongst the Turks during his formative years, he seems to have learned what he could from these people and used the military skills he learned from the Turks against them later. Because Vlad was such a blood-thirsty fighter, he seemed to do a great deal (with the smaller number of people on his side) because he must have created terror wherever he went.
Obviously, Vlad the Impaler was a complex person. Forced to live amongst the Turks during his formative years, he seems to have learned what he could from these people and used the military skills he learned from the Turks against them later. Because Vlad was such a blood-thirsty fighter, he seemed to do a great deal (with the smaller number of people on his side) because he must have created terror wherever he went.
