Assassin's Creed: 10 Historical Changes

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 seamlessly integrated into a narrative that blends fact with fiction, weaving a tale 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 in historical gaps with a science fiction conspiracy about a secret society aiming to control the world using the 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 "what if" scenarios.

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 for the sake of the 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 departure from historical reality. 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. He viewed the Borgias, particularly Cesare, as successful leaders, not the villains depicted in the game.

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 earlier than in real life. The game also brings to life da Vinci's designs, including a flying machine, which, while inspired by his sketches, never actually flew in reality.

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 and turning the peaceful protest into a bloodbath. The game also suggests Samuel Adams orchestrated the event, a claim not supported by conclusive historical evidence.

The Lone Mohawk

Assassin's Creed 3's protagonist, Connor, a Mohawk, fights alongside the Patriots against the British, despite the Mohawk's historical alliance with the British. This portrayal raises questions about Connor's loyalty to his people, though it draws inspiration from rare historical figures like Louis Cook, who fought against the British.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity's depiction of the French Revolution as a Templar conspiracy oversimplifies the complex causes of the revolution, including natural disasters and economic issues. The game's focus on the Reign of Terror as the entirety of the revolution misrepresents 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 contradicts the historical record of a clear majority in favor of execution. The game also downplays 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 seeking to control the London Brotherhood. This narrative twist adds a layer of intrigue to the historical figure, whose true identity remains unknown.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin's Creed Origins reinterprets Julius Caesar's assassination as a battle against a proto-Templar. The game's portrayal of Caesar as a tyrant opposed to the people's interests contradicts his historical efforts to redistribute land. The assassination's aftermath, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire, is also misrepresented as a victory rather than a catalyst for further conflict.

The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts its worlds with historical elements, yet it often deviates from historical accuracy to enhance its storytelling. This approach is fitting for a series that thrives on historical fiction, not documentary. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed bending the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments.