The idea of Vlad the Impaler as a vampire is a later fictionalization, popularized by Bram Stoker's novel *Dracula*. Stoker drew inspiration from historical accounts of Vlad's cruelty, but he significantly embellished and fictionalized his story to create the character of Count Dracula.
Here's why Vlad the Impaler was not a vampire:
* He was a real person who lived and died in the 15th century. There's no historical evidence to support the existence of vampires.
* The traits associated with vampires, like immortality, blood-drinking, and aversion to sunlight, are fictional.
* Vlad's cruelty was based on his political and military tactics, not supernatural powers. He used impalement to instill fear and maintain control.
While the legend of Dracula has cemented Vlad the Impaler's image as a monster in popular culture, it's important to remember that he was a real historical figure, not a supernatural being.