"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 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 have aligned with the Assassins, given his support for strong authority. He also had a more nuanced view of the Borgias, serving as a diplomat in Cesare's court and admiring his leadership, contrary to the game's portrayal.

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 his charisma. However, the game alters da Vinci's timeline, moving him from Florence to Venice in 1481, which does not align with his actual travels. While da Vinci's designs for machines like the tank and flying machine are inspired by his sketches, there is no evidence they were ever built or flown.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party, a pivotal event in the American Revolution, was historically 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, showcasing Ubisoft's creative liberties with history.

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 that explores the tension and conflict within such a choice.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity's portrayal of the French Revolution suggests a Templar conspiracy behind the food crisis and Reign of Terror, simplifying the complex causes of the revolution. In reality, the revolution was the result of years of social, economic, and political issues, not a manufactured crisis by a secret society.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

The execution of King Louis 16 during the French Revolution is depicted in Assassin's Creed Unity as a close vote swayed by a Templar. In reality, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution. The game also downplays the widespread anger against the aristocracy and the King's attempt to flee, which contributed to his treason charges.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin who takes over the London Brotherhood. This narrative twist, where Jack is trained by Jacob Frye and eventually killed by Evie, is a creative reinterpretation of the historical serial killer whose identity remains unknown.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

The assassination of Julius Caesar is a well-documented event, yet Assassin's Creed Origins reimagines it as a battle against a proto-Templar. The game inaccurately portrays Caesar's political stance and the aftermath of his death, which historically led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire, contrary to the game's narrative of a victory against tyranny.

The Assassin's Creed series meticulously crafts its worlds with 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.