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 a secret society aiming to control the world using the mystical powers 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 creatively alter historical facts to enhance the storytelling, resulting in numerous "historical inaccuracies" that add to the series' charm and intrigue.
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 a complete fabrication, inspired by fictional conspiracy theories surrounding the Knights Templar. Historically, there is no evidence of a war between the Order of Assassins, founded in 1090 AD, and the Knights Templar, established in 1118. Both groups operated for about 200 years and were disbanded by 1312. Their only shared involvement was in the Crusades, and the idea of centuries-long ideological opposition is purely fictional.
The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope
In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Ezio's conflict with the Borgia family is central. Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is portrayed as the Grand Master of the Templar Order, a role that did not exist in the late 1400s. The game's depiction of the Borgias as villainous is a mix of historical accuracy and creative license. While the family's reputation was tarnished by scandal, the portrayal of Cesare Borgia as an incestuous psychopath is based on rumor rather than fact.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias
Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood depict 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 served as a diplomat in Cesare Borgia's court, indicating a more favorable view of the Borgias than the game suggests.
The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine
Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci's charisma and wit, but his movements in the game do not align with his historical travels. The game places him in Venice in 1481, while he actually moved to Milan in 1482. The game also brings to life da Vinci's designs, including a flying machine, which, while inspired by his sketches, has no historical evidence of being built or flown.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party, a non-violent protest in history, 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 reimagining significantly deviates from the peaceful nature of the actual event. Additionally, the game suggests Samuel Adams orchestrated the protest, a claim historians debate.
The Lone Mohawk
Assassin's Creed 3's portrayal of Connor, a Mohawk fighting alongside the Patriots, contradicts historical alliances. The Mohawk people were allied with the British during the Revolutionary War. While there were rare instances of Mohawks fighting against the British, such as Louis Cook, Connor's story represents a "what if" scenario that adds depth to the game's narrative.
The Templar Revolution
Assassin's Creed Unity's depiction of the French Revolution as a Templar conspiracy is a significant deviation from historical events. The game suggests the Templars manufactured a food crisis to spark the revolution, ignoring the natural causes like drought and bad harvests. Additionally, Unity simplifies the complex, multi-year revolution into the Reign of Terror, misrepresenting the broader historical context.
The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16
In Assassin's Creed Unity, the execution of King Louis 16 is portrayed as a close vote swayed by a Templar, which is far from the historical reality where the vote was a clear majority. The game also downplays the widespread anger against the French aristocracy and barely addresses the King's attempt to flee France, which contributed to his treason charges.
Jack the Assassin
Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin attempting to take over the London Brotherhood. This narrative twist on one of history's most infamous serial killers adds a layer of intrigue and conspiracy to the game, fitting the series' theme of hidden truths behind historical events.
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. This depiction ignores Caesar's historical popularity and reforms, such as land redistribution to the poor. The game's narrative suggests his assassination was a victory against tyranny, while historically, it led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire.
The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts its worlds with authentic historical elements, yet these are often creatively altered for storytelling. This is the essence of historical fiction, not a documentary. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed bending the truth? Share them in the comments below.
