What was Historically Inaccurate about Assassin’s Creed Origins?
Assassin’s Creed Origins, released in 2017, is an action-adventure game set in ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. While the game’s narrative is fictional, it draws inspiration from real historical events and figures. However, there are several inaccuracies and creative liberties taken by the game’s developers, Ubisoft. In this article, we’ll explore the historical inaccuracies in Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Racial Tensions and Social Hierarchy
One of the most significant inaccuracies in the game is the portrayal of racial tensions between the Egyptians and Greeks. The game depicts the Egyptians as being oppressed by the Greeks, with the Greeks being depicted as elitist and condescending towards the Egyptians. Historically, this is not accurate. The Ptolemaic period was a time of cultural exchange and syncretism between the Egyptians and Greeks, with many Egyptians adopting Greek customs and culture. The social hierarchy was more complex, with the Ptolemaic dynasty being a Greek dynasty that ruled Egypt, but also had Egyptian nobles and priests who held significant power.
Medjay Warriors
The game features the Medjay warriors, an ancient Egyptian warrior class, as the protagonist Bayek’s ancestors. Historically, the Medjay were not a warrior class. They were actually a group of police officers or border guards who served the pharaohs. The game’s depiction of the Medjay as a warrior class is a creative liberty taken by the developers.
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
The game features many Egyptian gods and goddesses, including Anubis, Isis, and Osiris. Historically, these gods and goddesses were not worshipped in the same way as depicted in the game. The game portrays the gods as being directly involved in human affairs, which is not accurate. In ancient Egyptian religion, the gods were seen as being distant and uninvolved in human affairs.
Architecture and Urban Planning
The game’s depiction of ancient Egyptian cities, such as Alexandria and Memphis, is also inaccurate. Historically, these cities were not built in the same way as depicted in the game. The game features sprawling cities with grand architecture, which is not accurate. Ancient Egyptian cities were typically smaller and more compact, with a focus on functionality rather than grandeur.
Timeline and Historical Events
The game’s timeline is also inaccurate. Historically, the Ptolemaic period did not coincide with the reign of the pharaohs. The Ptolemaic period began in 305 BCE, while the pharaohs of the 26th dynasty of Egypt ruled from 664 to 525 BCE. The game’s narrative also ignores significant historical events, such as the Battle of Gaugamela and the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Inaccuracies in Character Portrayals
The game’s characters, including Bayek and Aya, are also inaccurate. Historically, the pharaohs and nobles of ancient Egypt were not as depicted in the game. The game portrays the pharaohs as being corrupt and tyrannical, which is not accurate. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were often seen as being divine and benevolent rulers.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Origins is an action-packed game that draws inspiration from ancient Egyptian history. However, the game is not a historically accurate depiction of ancient Egypt. The game’s developers took creative liberties with the timeline, characters, and events to create a narrative that is engaging and entertaining. While the game is not a accurate representation of ancient Egyptian history, it can still be enjoyed as a work of fiction.