Assassin's Creed: 10 Historical Changes

Ubisoft has once again activated the Animus, transporting players to Japan's Sengoku Period with Assassin's Creed Shadows. This installment features historical figures like Fujibayashi Nagato, Akechi Mitsuhide, and Yasuke, the African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga. As with previous titles in the series, these characters are integrated into a narrative blending fact and fiction, weaving a tale of revenge, betrayal, and murder. While the game's open-world environments are meticulously researched and rooted in history, it's crucial to remember that Assassin's Creed is historical fiction, not a historical documentary. Ubisoft creatively alters historical facts to suit the game's storyline, a practice that has led to numerous historical inaccuracies.

Here are ten notable instances where Assassin's Creed has 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. Historically, there's no evidence of such a war; both groups existed during the Crusades, but their operations were independent, with no ideological opposition between them.

The Borgias and their Superpowered Pope

In Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood, the Borgia family, particularly Rodrigo Borgia, who becomes Pope Alexander VI, is portrayed as part of the Templar Order. The game's depiction of the Borgias as villains and the dramatic confrontation under the Vatican are fabrications. While the Borgias had a controversial reputation, the game exaggerates their villainy, with no historical basis for Cesare Borgia's supposed psychopathy.

Machiavelli, Enemy of the Borgias

Assassin's Creed 2 and Brotherhood portray Niccolò Machiavelli as an Assassin and Ezio's ally against the Borgias. In reality, Machiavelli's political philosophy didn't align with the Assassins' ideals, and he had a more nuanced view of the Borgias, serving as a diplomat in Cesare's court and admiring his leadership.

The Incredible Leonardo da Vinci and his Flying Machine

Assassin's Creed 2 showcases a strong depiction of Leonardo da Vinci's personality, but it inaccurately tracks his movements through Italy. The game also brings to life da Vinci's designs, such as a machine gun and a tank, with no historical evidence of their construction. The highlight is the flying machine Ezio uses, inspired by da Vinci's designs but never realized in history.

The Bloody Boston Tea Party

The Boston Tea Party, a peaceful protest during the American Revolution, is depicted as a violent affair in Assassin's Creed 3. The game introduces Connor, a Mohawk, as the only protester in Native American attire, engaging in combat with British guards. The game also attributes the protest's organization to Samuel Adams, though historical evidence is inconclusive.

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 there were rare instances like Louis Cook, a Mohawk who fought with the Patriots, Connor's story represents a "what if" scenario.

The Templar Revolution

Assassin's Creed Unity suggests the French Revolution was orchestrated by the Templars, a notion that contradicts historical causes like famine and economic distress. The game's portrayal simplifies the complex events of the revolution, attributing them to a conspiracy rather than societal issues.

The Controversial Killing of King Louis 16

Assassin's Creed Unity's depiction of King Louis 16's execution as a close vote manipulated by Templars is inaccurate. In reality, the vote to execute him was a clear majority, reflecting widespread public sentiment against the monarchy.

Jack the Assassin

Assassin's Creed Syndicate reimagines Jack the Ripper as a rogue Assassin aiming to control the London Brotherhood. This narrative diverges significantly from historical accounts, which are still inconclusive about Jack the Ripper's identity and motives.

The Assassination of the Tyrant Julius Caesar

Assassin's Creed Origins presents Julius Caesar as a proto-Templar, which conflicts with his historical role as a populist leader who enacted reforms for the poor. The game's portrayal of his assassination and its aftermath simplifies the complex political ramifications that led to the rise of the Roman Empire.

While the Assassin's Creed series strives for historical authenticity, it remains a work of historical fiction. The creative liberties taken by Ubisoft add excitement and intrigue to the gameplay, but it's important for players to recognize the distinction between the game's narrative and actual historical events. What are your favorite examples of Assassin's Creed bending the truth? Share them in the comments below.