The Athenian Plague in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: Fact vs. Fiction

In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the Plague of Athens is a significant historical event that dramatically impacts the game’s narrative and world. The in-game depiction mirrors the historical account of the Plague of Athens in 430 BC, which ravaged the city during the Peloponnesian War. While the game doesn’t pinpoint a definitive cause, it acknowledges the historical uncertainty surrounding the disease. The prevailing theories explored in historical discussions, like typhus or smallpox, are implied, but no single cause is explicitly confirmed in the game. The plague serves as a powerful plot device illustrating the devastation of war and disease on ancient Greek society.

Unraveling the Mystery: The Plague of Athens

The game’s narrative incorporates the historical plague, using it as a backdrop for political intrigue and personal tragedies. The real-world Plague of Athens was a devastating epidemic that struck the city during the second year of the Peloponnesian War (430 BC) and persisted for several years. It dramatically weakened Athens and contributed to its eventual defeat by Sparta. The symptoms described by the historian Thucydides, who himself contracted and survived the plague, include fever, inflammation of the eyes, bloody throat and tongue, and skin lesions. The sheer scale of the mortality rate, estimated between 75,000 and 100,000 people, or approximately 25% of Athens’ population, speaks to the severity of the outbreak.

Historical Theories vs. Game Narrative

The beauty of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey lies in its blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling. While the game stays true to the historical fact that Athens was ravaged by a plague, it doesn’t offer a concrete scientific diagnosis. This ambiguity reflects the ongoing debate among historians and medical experts regarding the true cause of the Plague of Athens.

Some of the leading theories for the real-world plague’s cause include:

• Typhus: This bacterial disease, transmitted by lice, is considered a strong contender due to the symptoms described by Thucydides aligning with typical typhus symptoms.
• Smallpox: Another popular theory, smallpox, a highly contagious viral disease, also presents symptoms that resemble those documented during the Athenian plague.
• Arboviral Disease: Diseases transmitted by arthropods (such as insects) are also a possibility, although less commonly cited.
• Ebola-like Virus: A more recent hypothesis suggests that an Ebola-like virus could have been responsible, based on the severity and haemorrhagic symptoms described.

Within Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the lack of definitive cause allows the narrative to focus on the plague’s impact on society and the political machinations that occur amidst the chaos. Players witness firsthand the suffering and despair as they navigate the plague-ridden city, interacting with characters affected by the disease. This immersive experience powerfully illustrates the real-world devastation caused by the historical epidemic. The Games Learning Society explores how games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey can be used to teach history. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

The Plague as a Catalyst for Conflict

The game cleverly uses the Plague of Athens as a backdrop for existing tensions between Athens and Sparta. The weakened state of Athens due to the plague intensifies the conflict, allowing Sparta to gain a significant advantage. Players must navigate this treacherous landscape, making choices that impact the balance of power between the two city-states. This political dimension adds depth to the game’s narrative and provides a compelling context for the player’s actions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Plague in AC Odyssey

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Plague of Athens in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, offering further insights into its historical accuracy, narrative significance, and gameplay implications:

1. Did the Plague of Athens really happen? Yes. The Plague of Athens was a real historical event that occurred in 430 BC during the Peloponnesian War. It had a significant impact on Athenian society and contributed to its decline.

2. What were the symptoms of the Plague of Athens? Based on Thucydides’ account, symptoms included fever, inflammation of the eyes, bloody throat and tongue, skin lesions, diarrhea, and in many cases, death.

3. Can you cure the Plague of Athens in the game? No, you cannot cure the historical Plague of Athens in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It is a fixed historical event that cannot be altered.

4. What causes the plague in Kephallonia in AC Odyssey? The plague in Kephallonia is related to a quest called “Blood Fever.” The spread is initiated by a family who is infected, and the player must choose whether to eliminate the family or not.

5. Can you prevent the plague in Kephallonia? You can prevent the spread of the plague in Kephallonia by choosing to kill the infected family during the “Blood Fever” quest.

6. Does the plague affect gameplay in AC Odyssey? Yes, the Plague of Athens creates a visually distinct and unsettling environment in the game. It also affects the availability of certain quests and NPCs.

7. Did Pericles really die from the plague? Yes, the historical figure Pericles, a prominent Athenian statesman, is believed to have died from the Plague of Athens.

8. Why is Athens so sick in AC Odyssey? Athens is depicted as sick in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to reflect the historical devastation caused by the Plague of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

9. Is Kassandra or Alexios immune to the plague? Neither Kassandra nor Alexios are depicted as being immune to the plague, though their roles as protagonists mean they are less affected by it narratively than many NPCs.

10. Can you avoid the plague in Athens in the game? You cannot avoid the Plague of Athens within the game’s storyline. It is a fixed historical event that shapes the game’s world and narrative.

11. What are some theories about what caused the real Plague of Athens? Leading theories include typhus, smallpox, an Ebola-like virus, and other arboviral diseases. The exact cause remains a mystery.

12. Why is the Plague of Athens important to the story of AC Odyssey? The Plague of Athens is important to the story because it creates a backdrop of chaos and desperation, impacting the political landscape and the protagonist’s journey.

13. Does the plague affect the outcome of the Peloponnesian War in the game? The plague contributes to the weakening of Athens, mirroring its historical impact on the Peloponnesian War within the game’s narrative.

14. Does the game accurately portray the conditions in Athens during the plague? The game strives to accurately depict the conditions in Athens, showcasing the suffering, death, and societal breakdown caused by the plague.

15. Where can I learn more about the historical Plague of Athens? You can consult historical sources such as Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, as well as modern academic research on the topic. Also, check out educational organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) to learn more about how video games are combined with educational content.

Final Thoughts

The Plague of Athens in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of disease on ancient societies. The game masterfully blends historical accuracy with fictional storytelling, allowing players to experience the chaos and despair of this historical event firsthand.