Who were the real Assassins?

by

Who were the Real Assassins?

Quick answer
This page answers Who were the real Assassins? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

  • Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
  • Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
  • Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
  • Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
  • Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
  • Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The Assassins were a medieval Nizari Ismaili sect, a breakaway group from the Ismaili branch of Shia Islam, known for their stealthy and deadly tactics, occupying 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 Assassins were a real historical entity, feared by their enemies for their ability to infiltrate and eliminate high-profile targets, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of espionage and covert operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  1. Who is the most famous real Assassin?: The most famous real Assassin is Julio Santana, a notorious Brazilian hitman, considered by the Brazilian and international media as “the deadliest hitman in history”, with over 492 confirmed kills.
  2. Who was the first Assassin in real life?: Hassan-i-Sabbah devoted his life to the Shia Ismaili sect and, after many years of studying and becoming a religious leader, was able to establish a series of strongholds across the Middle East.
  3. Does the order of Assassins still exist?: While the Order of Assassins faded as a political force after losing control of Alamut Castle in 1256, Nizari Ismaili Islam continues to exist today, with the current Imam of the sect being Aga Khan IV.

Historical Context

  1. Were the Templars and Assassins real?: Both the Assassins and the Templars were real historical entities, with the Assassins referring to the Nizari Ismailis, a group of Shia Muslims notorious for their tactics involving political assassination.
  2. What are the Knights Templar called today?: Under the protection of the Portuguese king, Templar organizations changed their name to the reconstituted Order of Christ and the Supreme Order of Christ of the Holy See, both considered successors to the Knights Templar.
  3. Does the Knights Templar still exist?: While most historians agree that the Knights Templar fully disbanded 700 years ago, some believe the order went underground and remains in existence in some form to this day.

Modern-Day Assassins

  1. Are there really trained Assassins?: Certain members of Special Forces who are well-trained in close-combat techniques may be qualified to practice a greater variety of assassinations, operating in recognized combat zones or countries with high-value strategic interests.
  2. What religion is the Order of Assassins?: The original Assassins were a small Muslim sect, specifically Nizari Ismaili, who struck terror into the powers fighting over the Holy Land in the Middle Ages.
  3. Is it legal to be a hitman?: By definition, being a hitman is a criminal occupation, and thus not legal, with the equivalent legal version being extrajudicial killers in countries that don’t abide by human rights conventions.

Notable Assassins

  1. Who is the deadliest real Assassin?: Julio Santana, a former hitman, stopped counting his kills after reaching 492, with his methods and tactics still being studied by law enforcement agencies today.
  2. Who was the last Assassin alive?: The last Assassin left alive was Cassius Parmensis, a poet and sailor who chose every side in the dying Roman Republic’s civil wars except the winning one.
  3. Who is the greatest Assassin?: Ezio Auditore, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed II, is considered one of the greatest Assassins in the Assassin’s Creed series, known for his skills and bravery.

Assassins in Popular Culture

  1. What are the three types of Assassins?: In popular culture, Assassins can be categorized into Enforcers, who specialize in direct melee combat, Shadows, who specialize in stealth approach and avoiding direct combat, and Specialists, who have varied skills that support their teammates on missions.
  2. Who is the Assassin God?: In mythology, the Assassin might be the messenger God, Hermes, given his abilities of incredible speed, agility, and being able to hide from Kratos.
  3. What is the closest job to an Assassin?: One of the most recognized positions includes snipers who serve in the Marines or the Army, with Navy SEALs also involved in missions that require training in close-combat techniques, similar to the Jason Bourne and James Bond type of Assassins portrayed by Hollywood.

Leave a Comment