A new chemical analysis of the 15th-century prince Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler, has revealed the health conditions in which the fearsome leader lived, which may have inspired the creation of the literary character vampire Count Dracula.
The new study, recently published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, found that Vlad likely had skin and respiratory conditions and could literally shed tears of blood, The Independent reported.
Vlad the Third, officially known as Vlad the Third, Vlad the Vlad of Wallachia, lived in southern Romania in the mid-1400s, and historians estimate he earned his famous nickname by causing the deaths of more than 80,000 people, many of whom were killed at the stake. He was also known as Vlad Drăculea, meaning “son of the dragon.”
In the latest study, researchers, including Vincenzo Cunsolo of the University of Catania in Italy, examined for the first time letters written by Vlad to learn more about the prince’s health and the environment in which he lived 500 years ago.
Scientists say the molecules and proteins found in these documents may provide a unique insight into the life and time of the brutal leader.
The researchers used a special plastic film called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) to remove any proteins or small molecules from the paper without damaging them. They then identified thousands of different small peptide molecules on paper using a technique called mass spectrometry, which is widely used in laboratories to characterize chemicals.
Among these molecules, the scientists focused their attention especially on the most degraded proteins, which they guessed are probably the oldest. These earliest proteins were thought to most likely come from Vlad, compared to newer, less degraded proteins that may have originated from other people who used the letters more recently.
They identified a total of 16 proteins of human origin related to the skin, respiratory and blood.
HE POSSIBLE HAS A DISEASE
The new findings suggest that Vlad likely suffers from respiratory issues and may even have a condition called hemolacria that can cause him to shed bloody tears. This health problem may have made the scary character’s stories more effective.
Scientists also say he may have been exposed to plague-related bacteria and even fruit flies.
The research shows how similar techniques can be used to better understand important documents of the past and the people who may have written them. “It is worth noting that more medieval people may have touched these documents, it is undeniable, but it is also speculated that the most important ancient proteins must be related to Prince Voivoda the Impaler, who wrote and signed these letters,” the scientists say.
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