Researchers have found evidence that Vlad the Impaler, also known as Count Vlad Drăculea, may have suffered from a variety of ailments, one of which would have left the A famous prince shed tears mingled with blood.
Based on the latest findings presented in the latest study, published in analytical chemistry, The research team analyzed in detail the proteins and peptides contained in three letters written by princes in the 15th century. The findings suggest that Vlad III may have suffered from skin and respiratory problems and may have shed tears of blood.
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The prince who likely inspired the iconic literary figure of Count Dracula, the vampire, served as governor (military leader) of the historic Romanian region of Wallachia from AD 1448 until his death in 1476 in three different The way he demonstrated his leadership skills. Historians estimate that more than 80,000 people died at the warlord’s orders, many of them crucified, which earned him his nickname.
Study Vlad the Impaler’s card
The handwriting process involves hand-to-paper contact, which can transfer chemicals and skin molecules to the paper. The team scoured the files for these substances and, once found, traced their origins.
To extract information about the bloodthirsty ruler, the researchers used a special plastic film called ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which extracts proteins and small molecules from the paper without damaging it.
Then, using mass spectrometry, a chemical analysis technique commonly used in laboratories, they identified thousands of different small peptide molecules on the paper, remnants of the Earl’s handling of the documents centuries ago.
Specifically, the process revealed the presence of 500 peptides, 100 of which were of human origin. From these findings, the researchers found evidence of ciliopathies, a genetic disorder that affects cell and organ function, as well as evidence of inflammatory diseases that can lead to airway and skin problems.
Vlad may suffer from blood tear disorder
However, the most important discovery was a letter written in AD 1475 containing three peptides present in the retinal and tear proteins. Based on the characteristics of these peptides, the researchers believe that Vlad may also suffer from haemorrhoids, a disorder that causes blood to mix with the fluid in the tear ducts, resulting in blood-tinged tears.
Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, researchers have suggested that it may be related to plague-associated bacteria, eye injuries, bacterial conjunctivitis, or even the presence of fruit flies.
“To our knowledge, this is the first such investigation to be conducted and could help shed light on the health of the impaler, Vlad Dracula,” the authors wrote in the study.
“It cannot be denied that more medieval people may have had access to these documents, but it can also be speculated that the most famous ancient protein must have been related to Prince Vlad the Impaler, who wrote and signed these letters,” they wrote.
Edited by Felipe Espinosa Wang.