Chemists from the University of Catania, the company SpringStyle Tech Design, the Romanian National Archives and the Polytechnic University of Milan found evidence of various diseases of the legendary ruler of Wallachia. One of these causes the tears to mix with the blood in the ducts.

Researchers examined three documents preserved in the archive, written by Vlad Dracula’s hand. The handwriting person touches certain parts of the paper repeatedly, puts the paper on the table and holds the bottom edge while writing. In the process of touching the paper, organic particles from human skin enter the paper.

To capture the remaining proteins and peptides on the paper and not damage the old manuscripts, the researchers applied a polymer film made of ethylene vinyl acetate to the parchment. After removing this coating, the researchers tested the material using mass spectrometry. They managed to find a residue on the surface of the leaves containing more than 500 peptides, about 100 of which are of human origin.

By analyzing the composition of these peptides and comparing them with markers corresponding to various diseases, the researchers determined why Vlad Dracula might have suffered. Apparently, the legendary monarch suffered from ciliopathies, which are genetically determined diseases associated with malfunctioning of the cilia cell organoid.

The paper also left traces of an inflammatory disease that causes respiratory system and skin problems. In addition, Vlad Dracula apparently suffered from one of the diseases that cause hemolacria. This is a syndrome in which blood combines with fluid in the tear ducts to form bloody tears.

Known by the nicknames Dracula (“Son of the Dragon”) and Tsepes (“Shoemaker”), Vlada III Basarab ruled Wallachia (a principality on the territory of modern Romania) in the 15th century. He gained popularity as a monarch who followed a strict policy to protect his lands. Historians estimate that at least 80,000 Ottomans were killed and executed on Dracula’s orders during Dracula’s Trans-Danube Campaign. Most of them were executed at the stake.

Vlad Dracula gained modern popularity after the publication of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula” at the end of the 19th century. In this artwork, the former Romanian ruler is represented as a vampire aristocrat. This image was later used in various books and movies.