Researchers find dungeon that imprisoned famous Count Dracula

The line between reality and fiction is often so faint that it is difficult to distinguish history from myth, especially when we are talking about such a prominent figure as Prince Vlad III, aka Vlad the Impaler, and by the infamous name of Count Dracula. However, Turkish researchers have found evidence that may reveal a little more about the man who inspired Bram Stoker's classic Gothic novel.

While excavating at Tokat Castle in northern Turkey, a group of archaeologists led by Ibrahim Cetil discovered a secret tunnel leading to what is believed to be the dungeon where Vlad was arrested in the period around 1442 - before his death. make the famous Impaler. It is speculated that the long period spent in this place was a determining factor in forging its bloodthirsty character.

According to historical documents, Dracula was held in the dungeon for 12 years as a hostage to the Ottoman invaders, alongside his father and brother. Once freed, he took the lead in the resistance against the invasion, in which 80, 000 of his enemies were executed - of which approximately 20, 000 were impaled and displayed in the city of Târgoviste to terrorize the surviving adversaries.

In the last battle, Vlad would have returned to Wallachia and claimed his seat on the throne, facing the remaining Ottomans in a bloody battle. For Turkish researchers, there is no doubt that the newfound dungeon is where Dracula's captivity was bred. Check out images of the place in the video above and leave your opinion about this terrifying historical character in the comments below.