Did the Assassin Brotherhood Exist?

The Assassin Brotherhood did exist, but not in the exact form depicted in popular culture, such as in the Assassin’s Creed video game series, instead, it was based on the Nizari Ismailis, a breakaway group from the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam that occupied a string of mountain castles in Syria and Iran from the end of the 11th century until the Mongol conquests in the middle of the 13th. The Nizari Ismailis were known for their military prowess and strategic alliances, and their legend has endured for centuries, captivating the imagination of people around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What was the Assassin Brotherhood?: The Assassin Brotherhood was a group of Nizari Ismailis who lived in the Middle East during the Middle Ages and were known for their military skills and strategic alliances.
2. Did the Assassin’s Creed games exist in real life?: No, the Assassin’s Creed games are works of fiction, although they are heavily inspired by historical events and figures.
3. Is the Order of Assassins still active?: No, the Order of Assassins faded as a political force after losing control of Alamut Castle in 1256, but Nizari Ismaili Islam continues to exist today.

Historical Figures

4. Who was the first assassin in real life?: Hassan-i-Sabbah was a Shia Ismaili leader who established a series of strongholds across the Middle East and is often referred to as the founder of the Nizari Ismailis.
5. Did Ezio Auditore exist?: No, Ezio Auditore is a fictional character created for the Assassin’s Creed series and did not exist in real life.
6. How old was Ezio when he died?: According to the Assassin’s Creed series, Ezio Auditore died at the age of 65.

Modern-Day Assassins

7. Are there trained assassins in the world?: While there are highly-trained individuals who may be qualified to kill or kidnap certain targets, there are few agents who resemble James Bond or Jason Bourne.
8. Who is the most feared assassin in history?: Julio Santana, a Brazilian hitman, is considered one of the deadliest hitmen in history, with over 492 confirmed kills.

The Assassin Brotherhood and Templars

9. Who were the Templars in real life?: The Templar knights were a Christian military order that played a significant role in the Crusades and were prominent in Christian finance.
10. Are the Assassins and Templars still at war?: No, the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templars are not still at war, as the Assassin Brotherhood faded as a political force centuries ago.

Interesting Facts

11. Who was the youngest assassin?: Amarjeet Sada, an Indian boy, was just seven years old when he committed his first murder and is considered one of the youngest serial killers in history.
12. What were medieval assassins called?: Medieval assassins were often referred to as the Nizari Ismailis, although they were also known by the pejorative term “Assassins“.
13. What does Ezio say when he kills someone?: Ezio Auditore often says “Requiescat in pace“, which is Latin for “Rest in peace“, when he assassinates his targets.

The Legacy of the Assassin Brotherhood

14. Who ended the Assassins?: The Mongol Empire ultimately led to the decline of the Assassin Brotherhood, with Khurshah dying in 1256 and the Mongols destroying and eliminating the Order of Assassins by 1275.
15. What is the legacy of the Assassin Brotherhood?: The Assassin Brotherhood has left a lasting legacy in popular culture, inspiring countless books, movies, and video games, including the Assassin’s Creed series, and continues to fascinate people around the world with its rich history and intriguing mythology.