Exploring the Historical Tapestry: What City is Assassin’s Creed Based On?
The Assassin’s Creed series, a sprawling saga of historical fiction, doesn’t limit itself to a single city. Instead, it transports players across centuries and continents, immersing them in meticulously recreated historical settings. The original game, however, primarily takes place in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, focusing on cities such as Masyaf, Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus in the late 12th century.
A Journey Through Time and Place
The genius of Assassin’s Creed lies in its ability to blend compelling narratives with accurate historical backdrops. Each game meticulously crafts its environment, drawing from historical records, architectural blueprints, and artistic depictions to deliver an authentic experience. Let’s delve deeper into the geographical and temporal settings of some of the most popular titles.
The Holy Land: Birthplace of the Creed
The first Assassin’s Creed game lays the foundation for the entire franchise, plunging players into the tumultuous world of the Third Crusade. The game’s recreation of cities like Jerusalem, a melting pot of cultures and religions, is a masterclass in environmental storytelling. Acre, a vital port city, and Damascus, a center of Islamic learning, are equally impressive, offering distinct architectural styles and social dynamics. The fortress of Masyaf, home to the Assassin Brotherhood, provides a stark contrast to the bustling urban centers.
Renaissance Italy: A Cradle of Art and Intrigue
Assassin’s Creed II shifts the focus to Renaissance Italy, with players exploring iconic cities like Florence, Venice, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, and Forlì. The sheer beauty and vibrancy of these locales are breathtaking. Climbing the Duomo in Florence, navigating the canals of Venice, or strolling through the Tuscan countryside truly encapsulates the spirit of the era.
Colonial America: Revolution and Rebellion
Assassin’s Creed III takes players across the Atlantic to Colonial America during the tumultuous years of the American Revolution. The game features painstakingly recreated versions of Boston and New York City, showcasing the burgeoning urban landscapes alongside the vast wilderness of the Frontier. The contrast between the settled cities and the untamed wilderness highlights the conflict between civilization and nature, a key theme of the game.
Caribbean Seas: Pirates and Plunder
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag sets sail for the Caribbean, immersing players in a world of pirates, privateers, and naval warfare. Key locations include Havana, Nassau, and Kingston, each reflecting the unique character of the colonial powers vying for control of the region. The open sea itself becomes a key element, allowing players to explore numerous islands, sunken ships, and hidden coves.
Revolutionary Paris: Chaos and Opportunity
Assassin’s Creed Unity transports players to Paris during the French Revolution, a city consumed by chaos and social upheaval. The game’s recreation of Paris is remarkable, allowing players to witness firsthand the storming of the Bastille, the Reign of Terror, and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Victorian London: Innovation and Industry
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate takes players to Victorian London, a city transformed by the Industrial Revolution. The game features iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and the Tower of London, showcasing the architectural marvels of the era. Players can traverse the city via horse-drawn carriages, trains, and even grapple hooks, experiencing the rapid pace of technological advancement.
Ptolemaic Egypt and Eastern Libya: Ancient Wonders
Assassin’s Creed Origins plunges players into Ptolemaic Egypt and eastern Libya, showcasing the ancient world with all its grandeur and mystique. The game features iconic locations like Alexandria, Memphis, and the Siwa Oasis, allowing players to explore the pyramids, temples, and tombs of this ancient civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the locations and historical settings of the Assassin’s Creed series:
1. Where does the first Assassin’s Creed game take place?
The first Assassin’s Creed game primarily takes place in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade, specifically in the cities of Masyaf, Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus.
2. Which Assassin’s Creed game is set in Italy?
Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, and parts of Assassin’s Creed: Revelations are set in Italy. Assassin’s Creed II features Florence, Venice, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, and Forlì. Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood primarily focuses on Rome.
3. Where is Ezio Auditore da Firenze from?
Ezio Auditore da Firenze is from Florence, Italy.
4. Which Assassin’s Creed game is set in London?
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is set in Victorian London.
5. Which Assassin’s Creed game is set in Greece?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is set in Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War.
6. Where does Assassin’s Creed Unity take place?
Assassin’s Creed Unity takes place in Revolutionary Paris.
7. Which Assassin’s Creed is set in Egypt?
Assassin’s Creed Origins is set in Ptolemaic Egypt and eastern Libya.
8. Where is Assassin’s Creed III set?
Assassin’s Creed III is set in Colonial America, featuring Boston, New York City, and the Frontier.
9. What year is Assassin’s Creed I set?
Assassin’s Creed I is primarily set in 1191 AD during the Third Crusade.
10. Where does Assassin’s Creed: Revelations take place?
Assassin’s Creed: Revelations takes place in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), as well as Masyaf (Syria) and Cappadocia.
11. Which Assassin’s Creed game features the Caribbean?
Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag features the Caribbean, with main cities including Havana, Nassau, and Kingston.
12. Is Ezio Auditore a real historical figure?
No, Ezio Auditore da Firenze is a fictional character. However, the historical context and settings in which he exists are meticulously researched and based on real events.
13. What historical period does Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate cover?
Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate covers the Victorian era in London during the Industrial Revolution.
14. What elements of Assassin’s Creed are based on real historical events or figures?
While many characters are fictional, elements such as the Assassin Order (based on the Nizari Ismailis), historical events like the Third Crusade, and the architecture and social structures of the cities are meticulously researched and incorporated into the games.
15. What makes the Assassin’s Creed settings historically accurate?
The developers of the Assassin’s Creed series conduct extensive research, consulting with historians, architects, and artists to ensure the accuracy of their historical recreations. They use historical documents, maps, and architectural blueprints to create realistic and immersive environments. They also capture social dynamics and political landscapes of each time period. This commitment to authenticity is what distinguishes the series and makes it so engaging for players.
The Assassin’s Creed series continues to captivate players with its historical settings and compelling stories. By transporting us to different times and places, these games provide a unique blend of entertainment and education. Want to learn more about how games can teach? Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the intersection of gaming and education. The Games Learning Society highlights these exciting connections.