Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting players to Japan’s Sengoku Period with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Set in 1579, the game features historical figures like Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous titles, these characters are intricately woven into a narrative that blends historical facts with fictional elements, crafting a tale of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game humorously suggests that Yasuke might have needed to kill enemies to gain XP for a gold-tier weapon, it's important to remember that Assassin’s Creed is rooted in *historical fiction*. Ubisoft's approach has always been to fill historical gaps with a science fiction conspiracy tale about a secret society aiming to control the world using the mystical powers of an ancient civilization. Although the open-world environments are based on extensive historical research, they are not meant to be taken as history lessons; rather, they are creatively altered to enhance the storytelling.
While Assassin’s Creed strives to integrate authentic historical elements, the series often takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. Here are ten notable instances where the games have rewritten history:
The Assassins vs Templars War
The conflict between the Assassins and the Knights Templar is a central theme in Assassin’s Creed, yet there's no historical evidence to support this war. Both the Assassins, founded in 1090 AD, and the Templars, established in 1118, operated for about 200 years before being disbanded by 1312. The notion of centuries-long conflict between these groups is purely fictional, inspired by conspiracy theories. The only historical interaction between them was during the Crusades, which aligns with the setting of the first Assassin’s Creed game. However, there's no indication of ideological opposition between the two.
The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope
In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the narrative revolves around Ezio’s battle against the Borgia family. Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is portrayed as the Grand Master of the Templar Order, a role he never held in real life. The games also introduce the fictional plot of the Borgias seeking the Apple of Eden to control humanity. While the Borgias were indeed controversial figures, their depiction as Renaissance-era villains is exaggerated. Cesare Borgia, Rodrigo's son, is shown as an incestuous psychopath, yet there is no historical evidence to support this portrayal; it's based on rumors. In reality, Cesare might not have been as malevolent as depicted, according to Machiavelli.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias
In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, Niccolò Machiavelli is portrayed as Ezio’s ally and leader of the Italian Assassin’s Bureau. However, Machiavelli's philosophy of strong authority clashes with the Assassin's Creed, making his involvement highly unlikely. Historically, Machiavelli did not view the Borgias as the villains the game suggests; he saw Rodrigo as a successful con man and considered Cesare a model ruler. His real-life interactions and writings do not align with his fictional role in the game.
The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine
Assassin’s Creed 2 showcases the friendship between Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci, capturing the historical figure's wit and charisma. However, the game alters da Vinci’s timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481, which does not match his actual movements to Milan in 1482. More fantastically, the game brings to life many of da Vinci's designs, including a machine gun, a tank, and a flying machine used by Ezio. While da Vinci was fascinated by human flight, there is no evidence that his machines ever flew.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event in the American Revolution, was a non-violent protest where men dressed as Mohawks dumped tea into Boston Harbor. Assassin’s Creed 3, however, depicts protagonist Connor in Native American attire, killing British guards during the protest. This turns the historically peaceful event into a violent confrontation. The game also attributes the organization of the protest to Samuel Adams, despite historians having varied opinions on his involvement, showcasing Ubisoft's tendency to use ambiguous historical details to craft its narrative.
The Lone Mohawk
In Assassin’s Creed 3, Connor, a Mohawk, allies with the Patriots, which contradicts historical records as the Mohawk people were allied with the British during the Revolutionary War. This scenario was debated by historians due to its unlikelihood. While there were rare instances of Mohawks fighting against the British, such as Louis Cook, Connor’s story represents a "what if" scenario typical of the series, exploring the conflict and soul-searching that could arise from such a choice.
The Templar Revolution
Assassin’s Creed Unity’s portrayal of the French Revolution suggests a Templar conspiracy behind the event, framing the monarchy and aristocracy as victims. The game attributes the revolution’s food crisis to a Templar scheme, whereas historically, it was caused by natural disasters. Additionally, Unity simplifies the Reign of Terror as the entire revolution, ignoring its broader context and multiple causes, which no group could have orchestrated.
The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16
The execution of King Louis 16 in Assassin’s Creed Unity is depicted as a close call decided by a single Templar vote, suggesting it was a controversial issue. In reality, the vote was decisively in favor of execution. The game also downplays the widespread anger against the aristocracy and barely addresses King Louis's attempt to flee France, which contributed to his image as a traitor.
Jack the Assassin
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin who takes over the London Brotherhood. Trained by Jacob Frye, Jack becomes disillusioned and turns the organization into a criminal gang. The game's narrative is a prime example of Assassin’s Creed's twist on historical events, especially considering the inconclusive police work surrounding the real Jack the Ripper's identity and crimes.
The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar
The assassination of Julius Caesar, a well-documented event, is portrayed differently in Assassin’s Creed Origins. The game frames Caesar as a proto-Templar whose death prevents global terror, ignoring his historical popularity and reforms like land redistribution for the poor. The game's narrative simplifies the complex political landscape and fails to acknowledge that Caesar's assassination led to the Liberators' Civil War and the rise of the Roman Empire, contrary to the intended victory over tyranny.
The Assassin’s Creed series meticulously integrates authentic historical elements but often bends them for narrative purposes. This is perfectly acceptable within the realm of historical fiction. What are your favorite instances where Assassin’s Creed has creatively altered history? Share them in the comments below.
