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Initiates Database // Middle Ages // 5th - 15th Century

The battle between Assassins and Templars spans the course of human history. In the 11th century, the Catholic Church, at the height of its political power, sent armies from across Europe on a series of Crusades against the Turks in the Holy Land.

China // 850

Gunpowder

Gunpowder is thought to have been discovered by accident by Chinese alchemists around 850. However, this interpretation is contested. Some evidence suggests the black powder was discovered by the Arabs. In any case, the Chinese scientists were trying to invent an elixir that would render whoever took it immortal, but instead discovered the first explosive.

The Sung dynasty in China quickly understood the power of the explosive and used it for military purposes for protection against the Mongols in the early part of the tenth century. By 1304, the Arabs had developed the first gun, and by the fourteenth century, black powder in firearms was common in Europe, as evidenced by the presence of primitive gunpowder cannons on the battlefield becoming mandatory in the French and English military.

Baghdad // Iraq // 901-2-18

Forward Thinker

During the height of the Islamic Golden Age, Thābit ibn Qurra emerged as a leading visionary in the fields of mathematics, mechanical engineering, medicine, astrology, and astronomy. He was instrumental in ushering in many of the scientific reformations of that period; including the Ptolemaic system and the founding of statics.

Thābit also belonged to the Sabians of Harran, a sect of Hermeticists and celebrated a life of study and progression led by his beliefs. Although born in Harran, he moved to the intellectually thriving city of Baghdad, and occupied his years with teaching, study, and innovation until his death in 901AD.

Thābit's legacy did not end with his passing. His son, Sinan, became one of the most important physicians in Baghdad, who played a major role in the upkeep and development of the city's public hospitals during that era. His grandson, Ibrahim, went on to become a distinguished mathematician; studying the curves required to make sundials and advancing the theory of integratio

Iceland // 970

Daring Viking Explorer

The Norse explorer is widely recognized to be the first European to reach the shores of North America, in what is known as Newfoundland today. Although it is not clear whether he was part of the initial voyage to North America, he was certainly a member of the Viking expedition that reached L'Anse aux Meadows. According to Viking myths and sagas, Leif Ericson established a colony at Vinland.

Leicester // England // 1161

The Templar Topboy

Maria Thorpe was born in England in 1161. Her parents forced her to wed Lord Peter Hallaton after her 18th birthday. After four years of marriage, she left her husband, obtained an annulment, and joined the Crusaders in the Holy Land.

Hattin // Israel // 1187-07-04

The Horns of Hattin

The Battle of Hattin, known as The Horns after the twin peaks of a nearby volcano, was a clash between the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, led by Guy De Lusignan, and that of the Saracen Army, under the leadership of Salah al-Din.

Marching to the relief of the Raynald's fortress of Tiberias, Guy made a critical error and attempted to force his way through Salah al-Din's army, abandoning his only source of fresh water. Unable to advance or retreat, and parched from thirst, the Crusaders were forced to camp in the middle of the baking plain, and awoke to find themselves ringed in fires set by the Saracens and under a constant stream of arrows. Every attempt to

break out failed, and the Crusaders were driven up onto the Horns of Hattin and crushed by the forces of Salah al-Din.

The Saracens proceeded to retake all of the cities of the Crusader Kingdom, except Tyre and Antioch, and accept the surrender of Jerusalem. News of these disastrous defeats led to the Third Day Crusade, which began two years after this battle.

Masyaf // Syria // 1191

Altair's Demotion

By 1191, Altaïr Ibn-Ahad was a Master Assassin, but was demoted to the rank of novice following a mission in which he failed to obtain the Apple of Eden.

Venice // Italy // 1321-06-17

Dante's Pupil

Domenico, founder of the Auditore family, joined the Assassin Brotherhood under the tuition of Dante Alighieri in Venice.

Ravenna // Italy // 1321-09-14

Dante's Murder

Dante Alighieri was murdered in Ravenna while gathering supplies for his voyage to Spain, on September 14, 1321.

Otranto // Italy // 1321-09-25

Scattered Pages

Taking refuge in a vessel in the harbor of Otranto, Domenico scattered the pages of the Codex of Altaïr to prevent it falling into the hands of the Templars. His wife was killed by mercenaries but he and his son were cast overboard.

Florence // Italy // 1324-07-04

A New Noble House

Using the account of his late patron, Marco Polo, Domenico founded the Auditore Family - Impersonating a noble.

Monteriggioni // Italy // 1327-08-13

A Villa for the Auditore

Domenico Auditore purchased and renovated what would become the family villa in Monteriggioni.

Masyaf // Syria // 1165-01-11

Maud

Maud was a Christian member of the Levantine Assassin Brotherhood at the time of the Crusades. She was also the spouse of Umar Ibn-La'Ahad, a Master Assassin, and the mother of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.

Following a difficult pregnancy, she gave birth to her son Altaïr in 1165, but died due to complications from birth, leaving Umar to raise their son by himself.