Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Journey to Ninth Century Abbasid Caliphate and Alamut Castle

Discover the Historical Settings of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the latest entry in the iconic franchise, transports players to intriguing periods in history. This installment takes place in the ninth century, during the early years of the Abbasid Caliphate, and features notable locations such as Baghdad and Alamut Castle. For those unfamiliar with these historical settings, this guide provides insights into where and when the game unfolds.

Alamut Castle:

Alamut Castle is a prominent location in Assassin’s Creed Mirage and holds historical significance. Situated in a remote region within the mountainous terrain of northwest Iran, Alamut is named after the castle itself, with “Alamut” translating to “Eagle’s Nest” in Persian. During the ninth century, the Hidden Ones, the game’s protagonist Basim joins, utilize Alamut Castle as a stronghold. However, the castle’s history predates their presence, as it was originally established by Wahsudan ibn Marzuban, a ruler of the region’s dynasty. Alamut Castle remained under the control of various rulers until 1090 when Hassan-i Sabbah and the Assassins took charge.

Baghdad:

Baghdad is a name familiar to many due to its status as the modern-day capital of Iraq. However, the game’s narrative takes place during the reign of the Abbasid Caliphate, when Baghdad served as its capital. This historical city, located on the left bank of the Tigris River, played a pivotal role during the Abbasid era. Baghdad’s significance is deeply rooted in history, as it resides in the region known as Mesopotamia, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. This region is renowned as the birthplace of one of the world’s earliest written languages and is associated with the legendary hero Gilgamesh. While Gilgamesh’s story predates the events of Mirage by over two millennia, remnants of this ancient tale may have endured among the people of Mesopotamia.

Additionally, Mirage’s storyline includes references to The Epic of Gilgamesh, as Basim’s journey draws parallels with the ancient hero. Moreover, Basim’s eagle companion, Enkidu, shares its name with Gilgamesh’s close friend from the epic.

The game also features Anbar, a town that housed an Abbasid winter palace during the ninth century. Anbar, which is in close proximity to Baghdad in Mirage, is steeped in history. It once served as the initial capital of the Abbasid Caliphate before the construction of Baghdad by Caliph al-Mansur in 762. In reality, Anbar’s ruins are approximately three miles away from the modern city of Fallujah, with Fallujah itself located just 43 miles from Baghdad. Notably, Anbar is situated along the Euphrates River, distinct from the Tigris, which flows near Baghdad.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers players an immersive journey through these historically rich settings, capturing the essence of the ninth century Abbasid Caliphate and Alamut Castle.