Was Bayek a Real Medjay? Unpacking the History Behind Assassin’s Creed’s Hero

Let’s cut to the chase: Bayek of Siwa, as depicted in Assassin’s Creed Origins, is a fictional character. He did not exist as a specific historical figure with the name and backstory presented in the game. However, the character is heavily inspired by, and draws from, the real historical context of the Medjay – an ancient paramilitary force that played a crucial role in Egyptian history. The game’s developers meticulously researched ancient Egyptian culture, and Bayek’s portrayal, while dramatized for narrative purposes, reflects aspects of what it might have meant to be a Medjay during the tumultuous period leading up to the Ptolemaic dynasty. So, while Bayek himself wasn’t real, the Medjay were very much a real part of ancient Egypt.

The Real History of the Medjay

The term “Medjay” originally referred to people from the region of Medja, a district in ancient Nubia. They were skilled warriors, initially employed by the ancient Egyptian state as scouts and soldiers. Over time, their role evolved.

From Nubian Scouts to Egyptian Protectors

Initially, Medjay were primarily used as scouts and light infantry, patrolling the deserts and borders of Egypt. Their knowledge of the harsh terrain made them invaluable in preventing incursions and maintaining order. However, as the centuries passed, their reputation for skill and loyalty led to their integration into the Egyptian military and police forces.

The Medjay as Police Force

By the time of the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE), the Medjay had become an elite paramilitary police force, responsible for protecting important officials, guarding temples, and maintaining order in cities. They were essentially the ancient Egyptian equivalent of modern-day special forces and law enforcement. This is the role that Assassin’s Creed Origins most closely aligns with, portraying Bayek as a protector of the people and a guardian of justice.

The Decline of the Medjay

The Medjay’s prominence gradually declined over time. By the Ptolemaic period, the period in which Assassin’s Creed Origins is set, the term “Medjay” was less frequently used. The roles they once filled were increasingly taken over by other military and law enforcement organizations. While the game depicts Bayek as one of the last of the Medjay, it’s important to remember that this is a narrative device to emphasize the changing times and the need for a new form of protection – the Hidden Ones, later known as the Assassins. This blend of historical inspiration and fictional storytelling is one of the reasons games like Assassin’s Creed are engaging educational tools. You can learn more about the use of games for educational purposes at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Bayek: A Fictional Embodiment of the Medjay Spirit

Even though Bayek is fictional, his character embodies many of the traits associated with the Medjay:

• Loyalty: He is fiercely loyal to his people and his duty.
• Skill: He is a highly skilled warrior, adept at combat and stealth.
• Justice: He is driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect the innocent.
• Knowledge: He possesses deep knowledge of Egyptian culture and customs.

Assassin’s Creed Origins takes liberties with history, but it also strives to create a believable and immersive experience rooted in the reality of ancient Egypt. Bayek, as a character, provides a compelling lens through which to explore this fascinating period, even if he himself is a product of fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bayek and the Medjay

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the relationship between the fictional Bayek and the historical Medjay:

1. Was Siwa a real place, and were there Medjay stationed there? Yes, Siwa Oasis is a real place in Egypt. While there’s no definitive historical record of a Medjay specifically stationed in Siwa, it was a strategically important location and likely had some form of military presence.
2. Did Medjay use Eagle Vision like Bayek? No. Eagle Vision is a fictional ability in the Assassin’s Creed universe and has no basis in historical reality.
3. Was Cleopatra involved with the Medjay? Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, lived after the period when the Medjay were a prominent force. However, maintaining order and security would have been a priority during her reign, and any remaining Medjay may have been integrated into her forces.
4. What weapons did real Medjay use? Medjay would have used a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, bows and arrows, daggers, and shields. The kopesh, a curved sword, was also a common weapon in ancient Egypt.
5. Were the Medjay a religious order? No, the Medjay were primarily a military and police force, not a religious order. However, they would have adhered to the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Egypt.
6. How were Medjay recruited? Initially, Medjay were recruited from the Nubian region of Medja. Over time, Egyptians were also recruited into their ranks. Skill, loyalty, and physical prowess would have been important qualities for a Medjay.
7. Did Medjay have any special training? Yes, they would have received extensive training in combat, tracking, and survival skills.
8. What was the role of the Medjay in guarding temples? Medjay were responsible for protecting temples from thieves, vandals, and other threats. They would have patrolled the temple grounds and guarded its entrances.
9. Did the Medjay wear a specific uniform or attire? There’s no definitive record of a specific Medjay uniform. They likely wore practical clothing suitable for the desert environment, possibly with identifying markings or insignia to denote their status.
10. What happened to the Medjay after the Ptolemaic period? The term “Medjay” gradually faded from use after the Ptolemaic period. The roles they once filled were taken over by other military and police organizations within the Roman Empire, which eventually controlled Egypt.
11. Is there any archaeological evidence of the Medjay? Yes, archaeological discoveries, including inscriptions and artifacts, provide evidence of the Medjay’s existence and their role in ancient Egypt.
12. How accurate is the portrayal of Egyptian society in Assassin’s Creed Origins? While the game takes liberties with history for narrative purposes, the developers consulted with historians and archaeologists to create a relatively accurate depiction of Egyptian society, architecture, and customs.
13. Did the Medjay have a code of honor? While there’s no written code of honor that has survived, it’s likely that the Medjay adhered to a set of values that emphasized loyalty, duty, and justice.
14. Are there any other fictional works that feature the Medjay? The Medjay have appeared in other works of fiction, including novels, films, and television shows, often portrayed as skilled warriors and protectors.
15. What can Assassin’s Creed Origins teach us about ancient Egypt? Despite its fictional elements, Assassin’s Creed Origins can spark an interest in ancient Egyptian history and culture. It can also help us visualize what life might have been like in ancient Egypt and appreciate the contributions of the Medjay. Games such as this can teach us much, as supported by the Games Learning Society and its research.