The Order of Assassins
Nizari Isma'ili order known for strategic assassinations during the Crusades.
Based in a network of mountain castles in Persia and Syria, they conducted high-profile assassinations throughout the Levant during the Crusades, killing hundreds of people deemed enemies of their state over 200 years, including Shias, Sunnis, and Christians.
- founder
- Hasan-i Sabbah
- field
- Military order
- nationality
- Nizari Isma'ili state (Persia and Syria)
- known_for
- High-profile assassinations; subterfuge policy; origin of the word 'assassin'
Lore & Background
The order expanded to include a network of fortresses such as Lambsar, Masyaf, and others in Persia and Syria. Sabbah spent most of his days at Alamut producing religious works and developing doctrines, never leaving the fortress after its capture. Under his leadership, the Assassins conducted over 50 assassinations, more than half of which targeted Seljuk officials.
Reader's Guide
The Assassins posed a substantial strategic threat to Fatimid, Abbasid, and Seljuk authority, killing hundreds over nearly 200 years, including three caliphs, a ruler of Jerusalem, and several Muslim and Christian leaders. Notable victims included Janah ad-Dawla, Mawdud ibn Altuntash, Fatimid vizier Al-Afdal Shahanshah, and Abbasid caliphs al-Mustarshid and ar-Rashid. The English word 'assassin' derives from the Arabic 'hashshashin', linked to hashish, though the belief that assassinations were carried out under its influence is contested.
Did You Know?
- The English word 'assassin' derives from the Arabic 'hashshashin', which shares etymological roots with 'hashish'.
- The Assassins killed hundreds of people over 200 years, including Shias, Sunnis, and Christians.
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