Assassin's Creed: 10 Historical Changes Unveiled

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, such as Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. True to the series, these characters are integrated into a narrative blending fact and fiction, exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game playfully suggests scenarios like Yasuke needing to kill for XP to unlock a gold-tier weapon, it's essential to remember that Assassin’s Creed is firmly rooted in historical fiction.

The series is renowned for its intricate blend of science fiction and history, crafting tales of a secret society aiming to control the world through the powers of a pre-human civilization. Ubisoft’s meticulous research creates immersive open-world environments that, while historically inspired, are not meant to serve as history lessons. The developers often adjust historical facts to enhance the storytelling experience, leading to numerous "historical inaccuracies" that enrich the game's narrative.

Here are ten notable instances where Assassin’s Creed has creatively rewritten history:

The Assassins vs Templars War

The notion of a centuries-long conflict between the Order of Assassins and the Knights Templar is entirely fictional. Both groups existed during the same period, but there's no evidence of ideological opposition or ongoing warfare. The only shared historical context is the Crusades, and only the first Assassin’s Creed game aligns with this timeline.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the Borgia family, particularly Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI), is central to the plot. The game's narrative of a Templar-led Borgia plot involving magical artifacts and god-like control is pure fiction. The portrayal of the Borgias as villainous is a creative liberty, especially the depiction of Cesare Borgia as an incestuous psychopath, which lacks historical evidence.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

Niccolò Machiavelli, depicted as Ezio's ally and leader of the Italian Assassin’s Bureau, is a significant deviation from history. Machiavelli's actual views on the Borgias and his belief in strong authority contrast with the Assassin’s Creed’s anti-authoritarian stance.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin’s Creed 2's portrayal of Leonardo da Vinci’s relationship with Ezio and the realization of his inventions, including a flying machine, diverge from historical records. While da Vinci's genius and designs are well-documented, there's no evidence his machines were ever built or used as depicted in the game.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

In Assassin’s Creed 3, the Boston Tea Party is transformed from a non-violent protest into a violent confrontation led by Connor. The game also attributes the event's orchestration to Samuel Adams, despite historical ambiguity about his involvement.

The Lone Mohawk

Connor, the Mohawk protagonist of Assassin’s Creed 3, fights alongside the Patriots against the British, contrary to the Mohawk's historical alliance with the British. This narrative explores the "what if" scenario of a Mohawk siding with the American revolutionaries.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin’s Creed Unity's depiction of the French Revolution as a Templar-orchestrated conspiracy oversimplifies the complex causes of the revolution, including natural disasters and socio-economic factors. The game's focus on the Reign of Terror as the entirety of the revolution is a significant historical misrepresentation.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Unity's portrayal of the vote on King Louis XVI's execution as a close call swayed by a single Templar vote is inaccurate. Historically, the vote was a clear majority in favor of execution, reflecting widespread public anger against the monarchy.

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 real identity and motives remain a mystery.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

In Assassin’s Creed Origins, the assassination of Julius Caesar is framed as a victory against a tyrannical proto-Templar, which contrasts with historical accounts of Caesar’s reforms and popularity among the Roman people. The game’s portrayal of the aftermath as a victory overlooks the subsequent civil war and the rise of the Roman Empire.

Assassin’s Creed games are a testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to blending historical elements with creative storytelling. While the series takes liberties with historical accuracy, it remains a compelling form of historical fiction, offering players a unique perspective on history. What are your favorite instances of Assassin’s Creed bending the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments.