Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting us to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game introduces historical figures from 1579, including Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous entries in the series, these characters are intricately woven into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game humorously suggests that Yasuke had to kill everyone to gather enough XP for a gold-tier weapon, it's a playful nod to the series' blend of history and gaming mechanics.
Assassin's Creed is renowned for its historical fiction, crafting stories that fill historical gaps with tales of science fiction and conspiracy. The series revolves around a secret society's quest for power, using the mystical abilities of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft's open-world environments are meticulously researched and rooted in history, yet it's crucial to recognize that these games are not history lessons. The developers often alter historical facts to enhance the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of alternate history.
Here are ten notable instances where Assassin's Creed has creatively rewritten history:
The Assassins vs Templars War
The central conflict between the Assassins and Templars is entirely fictional. Historically, there is no evidence that the Order of Assassins, founded in 1090 AD, and the Knights Templar, established in 1118, were ever at war. Both groups were disbanded by 1312, and their only shared involvement was in the Crusades. Assassin's Creed's portrayal of a centuries-long ideological battle is a creative liberty taken to drive the series' narrative.
The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope
In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Ezio's conflict with the Borgia family is central. The game depicts Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia as the Grand Master of the Templar Order, who becomes Pope Alexander VI. While the Borgias were indeed controversial, the game's portrayal of them as Renaissance-era villains with supernatural ambitions is a significant deviation from history. The fictional battle between Ezio and Pope Alexander VI under the Vatican adds dramatic flair to the narrative.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias
Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood portray Niccolò Machiavelli as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassin's Bureau. However, Machiavelli's real-life philosophies and actions suggest he would not have aligned with the Assassins' anti-authoritarian stance. He viewed Rodrigo Borgia as a successful con man and respected Cesare Borgia as a model ruler, contrary to the game's depiction of their relationship.
The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine
Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong depiction of Leonardo da Vinci's charisma and wit. However, the game alters his timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481 to align with Ezio's story. While da Vinci's designs for a machine gun, tank, and flying machine are inspired by his sketches, there is no historical evidence that these were ever built or flown.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party, a non-violent protest during the American Revolution, is dramatically altered in Assassin's Creed 3. The game's protagonist, Connor, turns the event into a violent confrontation, killing British guards while others dump tea. This portrayal significantly deviates from the peaceful nature of the actual event. Additionally, the game suggests Samuel Adams masterminded the protest, a claim historians debate.
The Lone Mohawk
Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, is a Mohawk who fights alongside the Patriots, despite the Mohawk people being historically allied with the British. This scenario was debated by historians at the game's launch, as it would have made Connor a traitor to his people. The character may have been inspired by Louis Cook, a rare example of a Mohawk fighting against the British.
The Templar Revolution
Assassin's Creed Unity's portrayal of the French Revolution suggests a Templar conspiracy behind the event, which is a significant departure from historical causes like famine and social unrest. The game simplifies the complex, multi-year revolution into a single event, the Reign of Terror, and implies that the aristocracy were victims rather than contributors to the revolution's causes.
The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16
In Assassin's Creed Unity, the execution of King Louis 16 is depicted as a close vote swayed by a Templar conspirator. In reality, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution. The game also downplays the King's attempt to flee France, which contributed to his treason charges and the public's anger against the aristocracy.
Jack the Assassin
Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin who takes over the London Brotherhood. The game's narrative suggests he was trained by Jacob Frye and turned the organization into a criminal gang. This creative twist on history leverages the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper's identity and actions.
The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar
Assassin's Creed Origins reinterprets Julius Caesar's assassination, portraying him as a proto-Templar whose death prevents global terror. The game's depiction of Caesar's political stance and the events leading to his assassination differ significantly from historical records. Caesar was popular among the Roman people for his reforms, and his death led to the collapse of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire, contrary to the game's narrative.
The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts its historical settings, yet it often bends historical accuracy to enhance its storytelling. This approach is fitting for historical fiction, which the series embraces. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed's creative liberties with history? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
