"Assassin's Creed: 10 Historical Changes"

Ubisoft has once again fired up the Animus, this time transporting players to the heart of Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. Set in 1579, the game introduces historical figures such as Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and the legendary African samurai, Yasuke, who served under Oda Nobunaga. True to the series' tradition, these historical personalities are interwoven into a narrative that blends factual events with fictional twists, creating a captivating tale of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While Yasuke's journey in the game may involve dramatic elements like gathering XP to unlock gold-tier weapons, it's all part of the rich tapestry of historical fiction that Assassin's Creed is known for.

Assassin's Creed thrives on the premise of historical fiction, crafting science fiction conspiracy narratives around a secret society's quest for world domination through the mystical powers of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft meticulously researches to create immersive open-world environments rooted in history, yet it's crucial to understand that these games are not history lessons. The developers often alter historical facts to serve the game's story, resulting in numerous "historical inaccuracies." Here are ten notable instances where Assassin's Creed has creatively rewritten history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

Let's address the elephant in the room first: there's no historical evidence of a war between the Order of Assassins and the Knights Templar. This conflict is purely fictional, drawing inspiration from conspiracy theories surrounding the Templars. The Assassins were established in 1090 AD, and the Templars in 1118, with both groups disbanding around 1312. The only historical overlap was during the Crusades, which only the first Assassin's Creed game accurately reflects. While there might have been minor interactions between the groups, there's no evidence they were ideologically opposed.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Ezio's nemesis is the Borgia family, with Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia as the Templar Grand Master. Historically, Rodrigo became Pope Alexander VI, but the Templars' existence in the late 1400s and their quest for the magical Apple of Eden are pure fiction. The game's depiction of the Borgias as villainous gangsters also deviates from history. Cesare Borgia, portrayed as an incestuous psychopath, was likely less sinister than the rumors suggest, according to Machiavelli.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Niccolò Machiavelli is shown as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassin's Bureau. However, Machiavelli's real-life philosophy favored strong authority, clashing with the Assassin's Creed's anti-authoritarian stance. Furthermore, he respected the Borgias, serving as a diplomat under Cesare and viewing Rodrigo as a successful con man, contradicting the game's narrative.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong bond between Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci, accurately capturing da Vinci's wit and charisma. However, the game alters da Vinci's timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481, while historically, he left for Milan in 1482. The game also brings to life many of da Vinci's designs, including a flying machine, which, despite being inspired by his sketches, has no evidence of ever being built.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

In reality, the Boston Tea Party was a non-violent protest with no fatalities. However, in Assassin's Creed 3, Connor turns the event into a violent clash, killing numerous British guards. The game also attributes the protest's organization to Samuel Adams, despite historians' debates on his involvement.

The Lone Mohawk

Connor, the protagonist of Assassin's Creed 3, is a Mohawk who aligns with the Patriots, contrary to the Mohawk's historical alliance with the British. This portrayal, while unlikely, draws inspiration from figures like Louis Cook, a Mohawk who fought for the Continental Army.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity presents a skewed view of the French Revolution, suggesting it was a Templar conspiracy rather than a grassroots uprising against the monarchy. The game simplifies the revolution's causes, attributing the famine to Templar machinations and conflating the Reign of Terror with the entire revolution.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Assassin's Creed Unity dramatizes the execution of King Louis 16, portraying it as a close vote influenced by a Templar. Historically, the vote was decisively in favor of execution, and the game downplays the King's attempted flight to Austria, which fueled accusations of treason.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin seeking to control the London Brotherhood. This narrative diverges from the historical Jack the Ripper, whose identity and victim count remain unsolved mysteries.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

In Assassin's Creed Origins, Julius Caesar's assassination is framed as a battle against a proto-Templar, ignoring his historical efforts to redistribute land and his popularity among the Roman people. The game's portrayal of the aftermath as a victory overlooks the ensuing civil war and the rise of the Roman Empire.

The Assassin's Creed series meticulously blends history with fiction, offering an engaging experience while taking creative liberties with historical events. These alterations are a testament to the series' commitment to storytelling within the realm of historical fiction, rather than strict historical accuracy. What are your favorite instances of Assassin's Creed bending the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments.