The study of the correspondence of Vlad III, known as Dracula, has revealed unexpected data about his lifestyle and state of health.
The dark mysteries that surround the emblematic Vlad III, popularly known as Dracula, They could have found a new chapter. Beyond the narratives that present him as a bloodthirsty vampire, the study reveals unexpected details about his diet and health and a strange illness.
A recent study by the University of Catania has shed unexpected light on the life of the historical Romanian prince known as Dracula. Beyond the narratives that present him as a bloodthirsty vampire, the study reveals unexpected details about his diet and health.
Through a meticulous analysis of the proteins present in three letters written by Vlad III, researchers have deciphered that, ironically, eThe real Dracula showed signs of being a vegetarian.
If we now imagine this historical figure with scientific rigor, it would not exactly be biting necks, but rather tasting a healthy plate of vegetables. Perhaps, when Vlad “the impaler” was given a plate of meat, he rejected it simply for this reason, he simply did not like to eat it and not because he was a vampire.
“This approach allowed us to identify around 100 ancient proteins of human origin and about 2,000 from the environment”, points out the study from the University of Catania. This quote reflects the precision and depth of the research, which has used the EVA technology so as not to damage valuable documents.
This technique allows proteins to be extracted from old documents without damaging them. Once the proteins were extracted, they were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry. This tool can identify and quantify thousands of proteins from a sample, providing a detailed profile of the proteins present.
Furthermore, the same letters reveal the setting of 15th century Wallachia (present-day Romania), where Dracula ruled. The samples suggest the presence of insect-borne bacteria and viruses, giving us a snapshot of the environmental environment of the time. It’s fascinating to think about how, through simple cards, we can travel back in time and see the world through the eyes of Dracula.
Dracula suffered from hemolacria, a disease that makes tears of blood cry.
But there is more. The team from the University of Catania also discovered evidence that suggests that Dracula could have suffered from hemolacria, a medical condition that causes a person to cry tears of blood. Although it seems taken from a Gothic novel, this information could coincide with legends about Dracula himself.
Hemolacria can be the result of numerous factors, including injuries or trauma to the eye, diseases such as hemophilia or tumors, or specific medical conditions, and even, in rare cases, have no apparent cause.
Although the figure of Dracula has been shrouded in myths and legends, this study offers us a real, objective and, without a doubt, surprising perspective.. Science has proven once again that sometimes reality can be even more intriguing than fiction.