"Assassin's Creed: 10 Historical Twists"

Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting us to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game introduces us to 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 delves into the saga 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 often alter historical facts to enhance the storytelling, 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 a cornerstone of the series, yet there is no historical evidence to support such a war. The Assassins were established in 1090 AD, and the Templars in 1118, both disbanding around 1312. The notion of a centuries-long feud between these groups is purely fictional, inspired by conspiracy theories surrounding the Knights Templar. The only historical overlap was during the Crusades, which only the first Assassin's Creed game accurately reflects.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Ezio's battle against the Borgia family is central. Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is portrayed as the Grand Master of the Templar Order. However, the Templars did not exist in the late 1400s, and the Borgias' quest for the Apple of Eden and a god-like pope is entirely fictional. While the Borgias were historically controversial, Ubisoft's portrayal exaggerates their villainy, particularly with Cesare Borgia's depiction as an incestuous psychopath, which lacks historical evidence.

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 align with the Assassins' anti-authoritarian stance. He viewed Rodrigo Borgia as a successful con man and served as a diplomat under Cesare Borgia, whom he considered a model ruler. Ubisoft's portrayal of Machiavelli's relationship with the Borgias significantly deviates from historical records.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong friendship between Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci, accurately capturing da Vinci's charisma. However, the game alters da Vinci's timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481, contrary to his actual move to Milan in 1482. While da Vinci's designs for a machine gun, tank, and flying machine are brought to life in the game, there is no historical evidence that these were ever built, especially the flying machine used by Ezio.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event in the American Revolution, was a non-violent protest. In Assassin's Creed 3, however, Connor turns it into a violent confrontation, killing British guards while others dump tea. The game also suggests Samuel Adams orchestrated the event, despite historians' uncertainty about his involvement. Ubisoft's depiction transforms a peaceful protest into a dramatic, violent scene.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, a Mohawk, fights alongside the Patriots against the British, contrary to historical alliances where the Mohawk supported the British. While rare instances like Louis Cook, a Mohawk who fought for the Patriots, exist, Connor's story represents a "what if" scenario. This narrative choice explores the conflict and soul-searching inherent in such a decision.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity's portrayal of the French Revolution suggests a Templar conspiracy caused the food crisis and the Reign of Terror, simplifying the complex causes of the revolution. In reality, the famine resulted from natural disasters, and the revolution unfolded over years due to multiple issues. Unity's narrative implies the monarchy and aristocracy were victims, a stark contrast to historical accounts.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Assassin's Creed Unity depicts the vote on King Louis 16's execution as a close call, swayed by a Templar's vote. Historically, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution. The game also downplays the King's attempt to flee to Austria, which contributed to his treason charges. Unity's portrayal softens the view of the French aristocracy, neglecting the true causes of the revolution.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin who takes over the London Brotherhood. In the game, he is trained by Jacob Frye and turns the organization into a criminal gang. This narrative twist leverages the mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper's identity and actions, fitting into the series' theme of hidden histories.

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 tyranny. Historically, Caesar was a popular leader who advocated for land redistribution. The game's depiction of his assassination as a victory against tyranny is misleading, as it led to the Liberators' Civil War and the rise of the Roman Empire, contrary to the conspirators' intentions.

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 your thoughts in the comments.