How accurate is AC Origins Egypt?

How Accurate is AC Origins Egypt?

Assassin’s Creed Origins, the 2017 action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft, is set in ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. The game’s accuracy in depicting Egyptian culture, architecture, and history has been a topic of interest for many fans and historians alike. In this article, we will delve into the accuracy of AC Origins Egypt, exploring its historical representation, architectural fidelity, and cultural authenticity.

Architecture

The game’s architecture is one of its strongest aspects, with Ubisoft meticulously recreating iconic Egyptian landmarks like the Great Library of Alexandria, the Temple of Isis, and the city of Siwa. The buildings’ designs, proportions, and textures are all meticulously researched and accurate to their historical counterparts.

• The Great Library of Alexandria: The game’s depiction of the library is largely accurate, with its massive size, impressive architecture, and beautiful interior. However, some creative liberties were taken with the building’s layout and design to fit the game’s narrative.
• The Temple of Isis: The temple’s design is largely inspired by the actual Temple of Isis in Philae, with its striking architecture and intricate carvings.

Historical Representation

Assassin’s Creed Origins is set during a pivotal period in Egyptian history, the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BCE). The game’s storyline revolves around the reign of Ptolemy XIII, the youngest son of Ptolemy XII, and his struggle for power against his siblings.

• Ptolemaic Egypt: The game accurately portrays the Ptolemaic period, with its emphasis on Greek culture and its influence on Egyptian society.
• The Egyptian Court: The game’s depiction of the Egyptian court, with its politics and intrigue, is largely accurate, drawing inspiration from historical accounts of the Ptolemaic court.

Cultural Authenticity

Assassin’s Creed Origins features a range of authentic Egyptian cultural elements, from clothing and jewelry to food and drink.

• Clothing and Jewelry: The game’s character designs, particularly Bayek and Aya’s clothing and accessories, are heavily influenced by ancient Egyptian fashion and jewelry.
• Food and Drink: The game’s in-game menu features a range of traditional Egyptian dishes, such as falafel, kebabs, and bread, as well as traditional beverages like beer and wine.

Notable Omissions and Creative Liberties

While AC Origins Egypt is remarkably accurate, there are some notable omissions and creative liberties taken.

• The Burning of the Library: The game does not depict the infamous burning of the Library of Alexandria, which occurred during the Roman conquest of Egypt in 48 BCE.
• The Gods: While the game features several Egyptian gods, including Isis and Anubis, it does not fully accurately depict their roles and significance in ancient Egyptian religion.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Origins Egypt is a masterclass in historical representation and cultural authenticity, with its stunning architecture, meticulous research, and attention to detail. While there are some creative liberties taken, the game’s accuracy is undeniable, making it a must-play for history buffs and gamers alike. Whether you’re exploring the Great Library of Alexandria or fighting off Roman soldiers, AC Origins Egypt is an unforgettable experience.

Accuracy Score:

Overall Accuracy Score: 87%

Note: The accuracy score is subjective and based on the author’s research and expertise. It is intended to provide a general indication of the game’s historical and cultural accuracy rather than a precise measurement.