Did the Assassins Creed Exist?
The Assassin’s Creed series is a beloved franchise of action-adventure games that have captivated gamers worldwide with their rich history, thrilling plotlines, and charismatic protagonists. But, the question remains: did the Assassin’s Creed, the Order of Assassins, truly exist in history?
The Origins of the Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series takes inspiration from real-world events and historical figures, weaving a complex narrative that spans centuries. The first game in the series, Assassin’s Creed, introduces us to Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, a fictional character who lived during the Third Crusade. While Altaïr is not a historical figure, the setting and events of the game are rooted in fact.
The Historical Background
The Third Crusade was a real conflict that took place from 1187 to 1192, involving Christian kingdoms, Muslim states, and the Byzantine Empire. The Crusades were a series of military campaigns launched by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The Third Crusade, in particular, saw the involvement of famous figures such as Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, and King Philip II of France.
The Hashshashin
In the 11th century, a real organization known as the Hashshashin, or Nizari Ismaili State, emerged in the Middle East. The Hashshashin were a militant sect of Shia Ismailis who believed in a series of imams and the concept of "walayah" (divine guidance). They were known for their assassinations and killings of high-ranking targets, including the Seljuk Sultan, Nizam al-Mulk, in 1092.
The Connection to Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series draws inspiration from the Hashshashin, incorporating elements of their ideology, symbolism, and tactics into the games. The Assassin’s Creed universe features a secret society known as the Assassin Order, which is dedicated to fighting against the Templar Order, a fictional counterpart to the real-world Templar Knights. While the Assassin’s Creed games take creative liberties with history, they are rooted in the context of the Crusades and the Hashshashin’s activities.
Famous Assassins in History
Some notable historical figures associated with the Hashshashin include:
• Hassan-i-Sabbah (1048-1124): The founder of the Nizari Ismaili State and a prominent leader of the Hashshashin.
• Nasir al-Din Tusi (1201-1274): A mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher who served as a tutor to the Sultan of Persia and later became a prominent leader of the Hashshashin.
• Rashid-al-Din Fadlullah (1247-1318): A physician, historian, and vizier who wrote a historical chronicle of the Mongols and the Ilkhanid dynasty.
Did the Assassin’s Creed Exist?
In conclusion, while the Assassin’s Creed series is fictional, it draws inspiration from real-world events, figures, and organizations. The Hashshashin, or Nizari Ismaili State, was a historical organization that existed in the Middle East during the 11th to 13th centuries. Their beliefs, symbolism, and tactics influenced the development of the Assassin’s Creed universe. So, in a sense, the Assassin’s Creed existed as a historical and cultural phenomenon, but its specific manifestations in the games are fictional.
Important Dates and Events
Here’s a table summarizing key dates and events:
| Date | Event | Historical Figure |
|---|---|---|
| 1048-1124 | Founder of the Nizari Ismaili State | Hassan-i-Sabbah |
| 1092 | Assassination of Nizam al-Mulk | Hashshashin |
| 1201-1274 | Mathematician and philosopher | Nasir al-Din Tusi |
| 1247-1318 | Historian and vizier | Rashid-al-Din Fadlullah |
| 1187-1192 | Third Crusade | Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, King Philip II of France |
Conclusion
The Assassin’s Creed series has captivated gamers with its rich history, thrilling plotlines, and charismatic protagonists. While the Assassin’s Creed itself is fictional, its inspiration from real-world events, figures, and organizations is undeniable. The Hashshashin, a historical organization, influenced the development of the Assassin’s Creed universe, and their beliefs, symbolism, and tactics continue to inspire new generations of gamers.