The Marriage of Justina Szilágyi and Vlad Tepes: Dynastic Alliance, Fake News, and Political Propaganda in the 15th Century

This research paper provides a critical, source-analytical evaluation of the historical intersection between political alliances and institutional disinformation in 15th-century Central Europe, focusing on the political propaganda surrounding the marriage of Justina Szilágyi and Vlad Tepes (Dracula). Authored by the Head Curator of the prominent Dracula Exhibition at the Labyrinth of Buda Castle, this work bridges classical academic historiography with contemporary cultural resource management and immersive museum pedagogy. By deconstructing the precise mechanics of early mass media manipulation, fake news, and political character assassination, this historical case study provides critical analytical frameworks for modern media literacy. Furthermore, the research serves as the empirical foundation for high-traffic cultural exhibitions, demonstrating a transferable methodology to translate complex archival findings into commercially viable, educational public history projects that foster economic activity within the cultural tourism sector.