Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, this time transporting players to Japan’s captivating Sengoku Period. Assassin’s Creed: Shadows introduces several historical figures from 1579, including Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and the enigmatic Yasuke, the African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga. These characters are intertwined with a narrative that blends fact and fiction, exploring themes of revenge, betrayal, and murder. Fans of the series will recall that Yasuke even had to eliminate countless foes to accumulate enough XP for a coveted gold-tier weapon.
Yes, Assassin’s Creed operates within the realm of historical fiction, weaving speculative sci-fi conspiracies around a secret society intent on controlling the world through the mystical powers of an ancient civilization. While the meticulously researched open-world environments are rooted in history, it’s crucial to remember these are imaginative recreations, not historical lessons. The developers have altered numerous historical facts to fit their storytelling goals.
There are countless instances of historical liberties taken in the series, but here are ten of the most notable examples:
The Assassins vs. Templars War
Let’s address the elephant in the room: there’s no historical evidence suggesting the Assassins were ever locked in a centuries-long war with the Knights Templar. The conflict between these two groups is entirely fictional, partly inspired by the mythical conspiracy theories surrounding the Templars. The Assassins were established in 1090 AD, while the Templars formed in 1118, operating until their dissolution in the early 1300s. Their supposed rivalry spans centuries, which is pure invention. The only overlap occurs in the first Assassin’s Creed game, set during the Crusades. Although both orders likely encountered each other, there’s no proof of ideological opposition.
The Borgias and Their Superpowered Pope
Assassin’s Creed II and its sequel, Brotherhood, focus on Ezio’s feud with the Borgia family. Rodrigo Borgia, portrayed as the Grand Master of the Templar Order, is elected Pope Alexander VI. However, as previously discussed, the Templars didn’t exist in the late 1400s. Consequently, there was no Borgia plot to seize the mythical Apple of Eden or install a pope with godlike powers. Similarly, Ezio’s confrontation with Pope Alexander VI beneath the Vatican is pure fantasy.
Even the general portrayal of the Borgias in the game is somewhat misleading. While the family’s reputation is steeped in scandal, they weren’t the villainous gangsters depicted in Ubisoft’s version. Rodrigo’s son, Cesare, is reimagined as an incestuous psychopath, despite scant historical evidence supporting this. In reality, Cesare’s reputation may not have been as tarnished as Ubisoft suggests.
Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias?
Niccolò Machiavelli, the renowned political philosopher, plays a key role in Assassin’s Creed II and Brotherhood. Depicted as Ezio’s ally and leader of the Italian Assassins, Machiavelli’s inclusion feels odd given his philosophical leanings. His ideas about strong authority contradict the Assassins’ anti-authoritarian ethos. Moreover, Machiavelli’s writings and actions suggest he didn’t despise the Borgia family as much as the game implies. He recognized Rodrigo Borgia as a cunning politician but admired Cesare Borgia as a capable ruler.
Leonardo da Vinci and His Flying Machines
Leonardo da Vinci’s presence in Assassin’s Creed II is handled with care, capturing his wit and charisma. Historical accounts describe him as a brilliant inventor, and Ubisoft stays true to this portrayal. However, his movements throughout Italy differ from reality. In 1482, da Vinci relocated to Milan, staying there for over a decade. The game moves him to Venice in 1481, ostensibly to paint for nobles, ensuring he remains near Ezio. While seemingly minor, this shift disrupts Ubisoft’s usual attention to detail.
Da Vinci’s inventions are another source of creative license. While the game showcases his machine gun, tank, and flying machine, there’s little evidence these devices were ever constructed. The flying machine, in particular, is a flight of fancy. Da Vinci’s fascination with human flight is well-documented, and the glider-like machine in the game resembles his sketches, but there’s no historical evidence suggesting any of his designs ever flew.
The Bloody Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party is one of the most iconic events of the American Revolution. Dozens of men, many disguised as Mohawks, boarded ships in Boston Harbor and dumped tea crates into the water. Despite the destruction of tea, the event was entirely non-violent.
In Assassin’s Creed III, however, protagonist Connor single-handedly slaughters at least 15 British guards during the protest. His allies join the fray, leading to casualties on both sides. The peaceful protest is transformed into a violent massacre, likely to add drama to the game. Additionally, the game portrays Samuel Adams as the mastermind behind the protest, despite historians’ uncertainty about his exact role.
The Lone Mohawk
Connor’s allegiance to the Patriots in Assassin’s Creed III raises eyebrows among historians. As a Mohawk, Connor’s people were allied with the British, not the colonists. Their trade relationship with the British was valuable, and they sought protection from encroaching settlers.
Connor’s depiction sparked debate upon release, with many historians questioning its plausibility. While exceptions exist—such as Louis Cook, who fought for the Continental Army—the idea of a Mohawk allying with the Patriots remains unlikely. Connor’s storyline explores a hypothetical “what if,” but whether the game delivers on this premise is debatable.
The Templar Revolution
Ubisoft’s handling of the American Revolution is relatively tame compared to Assassin’s Creed Unity’s bizarre portrayal of the French Revolution. Unity frames the uprising as a Templar conspiracy, suggesting the monarchy and aristocracy were innocent victims. This undermines the complexity of the revolution, which stemmed from years of economic hardship, inequality, and natural disasters—not a sinister plot.
Unity also oversimplifies the Reign of Terror, reducing it to a singular event rather than a phase of the broader revolution. In reality, the French Revolution spanned years and resulted from multifaceted grievances.
The Controversial Killing of King Louis XVI
King Louis XVI’s execution is a cornerstone of the French Revolution. Unity portrays the vote on his fate as narrowly decided by a single Templar vote, suggesting division among the assembly. In reality, the vote was 394 to 321 in favor of execution—a decisive outcome. Unity’s portrayal softens the monarchy’s culpability, failing to acknowledge Louis’s failed attempt to flee France and undermine the revolution.
Jack the Assassin
One of the most contentious reimaginings in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is the portrayal of Jack the Ripper. In reality, he was a notorious serial killer who preyed on prostitutes in Whitechapel. Ubisoft transforms him into a rogue Assassin who betrays the London Brotherhood. His transformation into a ruthless crime lord is a classic example of Ubisoft’s “untold history” trope.
The Assassination of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar’s assassination is one of history’s most documented events. Betrayed by a group of conspirators, he was stabbed 23 times. In Assassin’s Creed Origins, Caesar is painted as a proto-Templar villain who must be stopped. The game’s depiction distorts facts, portraying Caesar’s enemies as champions of the common people, despite his progressive reforms benefiting the poor.
Do historical inaccuracies matter in Assassin’s Creed? Share your thoughts in the comments.
