Assasin’s Creed Mirageis the latest installment in theAssassin’s Creedseries.Players take control of Basim Ibn Ishaq in the stunning recreation of Islamic Golden Age Baghdad. This installment of the notoriously historically intensive game has impressed fans with a distinctly inspired digital world that pays homage to therich and impelling culture of 9th-century Arabia.
As mostAssassin’s Creedgames follow historical figures and events,Assassin’s Creed Mirageis no short of significant references to some lethal and tide-turning events of the Islamic Golden Age.9th century Baghdad serves as the perfect setting,and Ubisoft developers pay keen attention to showcasing a powerhouse empire in its cultural, educational, expansionist, and development prime. These are just a few of the juicy historical referencesAssassin’s Creed Miragemakes nods to.
5Zanj Rebellion
Noted as one of the most brutal insurrections at the hands of the enslaved Bantu peoples in South Asia and the Middle East, the medieval Zanj Rebellion is modeled inAssassin’s Creed Mirage, which includes multiple characters that embody the historical figures of the rebellion. The cultural knowledge, academic climate, and wealth that occupied the ancient Sawad and significant city ports such as Barsa are locations and views seen throughout the game asdistinct mosques, academic halls, marshlands and markets.These settings become the backdrop for prime attacks, battle scenes, and stealth missions for Basim and others as the players progress in the game.
The Zanj Rebellion was one of many uprisings that lasted at least ten years. The Bantu peoples successfully unleashed their wrath upon their oppressors until the Abbasid Caliphate ended the revolt in 883. These events unfold inAssassin’s Creed Mirage, supported by central characters like the cultured and academically gifted inventors, the Banu Musa brothers, Al Hassan, Ahmad, and Abu Jafar Muhammad. Others, such as Fuldah, Tabid Al- Nubi, and Rayhan
4Alexander the Great’s Death
Assassin’s Creed Mirageis filled with historical references, lore, and fine details. This is a reference that players can easily miss. At Alamut, during Basim’s initiation ceremony, Hidden One and revolutionary warrior Tabid Al- Nubi confides in Basim, highlighting a major reveal. Tabid references a poison he has in the works that was once utilized by the ancient Greek assassin, Iltani, who poisoned the Macedon king, Alexander the Great.
In real world history, there has been a lot of speculation as to how Alexander the Great died, and poison is one theory. This subtle dialogue can be skipped but gives keen insight into thecovert nature of the Hidden Ones' work.Such a small detail also provides fans references to formerAssassin’s Creedgames such asAC OriginsandAC India, highlighting the locations of Alexander the Great’s tomb, among other notable historical settings.
3Baazar and the Building of Baghdad
Assassin’s Creedhas maintained its notoriety due to its historical integrity and innovative, historically inspired characters. ForUbisoft creators,choosing Baghdad as a foundation for the events inAC Mirageand Basim’s journey culminates beautifully as fans can reflect on the rich and thriving culture that the city offered real-world citizens before booming into a thriving empire.
When one thinks of ancient Islam, images of the vast marshlands, pipping hot deserts, bustling marketplaces, trading ports, and academia halls all come to mind.AC Mirageincludes the iconic Baazar,showcasing the versatility of the the ancient Arabic empireas it transformed from wayside village to a pinnacle point of Islam. For characters like Basim, Tabid, or the Banu Musa Brothers, these settings are seamlessly integrated into various missions in the game.
2Dipping The Assassin’s Creed Feather
The tradition of dipping a feather into an enemy/target’s blood is a staple in theAssassin’s Creedseries. InAssassin’s Creed Mirage, it’s revealed to fans that this ritual first began with the founder of The Hidden One’s organization, Bayek. Basim carries on this ancient Egyptian belief in the game.
Harking back toAssassin’s Creed Origins, characters such as the Lord of Duat provide pivotal details toBasim’s storyline inAssassin’s Creed Miragein referencing the ancient Egyptian practice of judgment. It’s believed that the goddess Ma’at owned a white feather, which she used to weigh a person’s heart against their misgivings in life. This judgment was believed to determine someone’s place in the afterlife. Subtle details like the Lord of Duat being named after the Egyptian afterlife could easily fly over players' heads.
1The Monstrous Tailsman and Lovecraftian Lore
Side questsalways offer up some juicy Easter eggs that fans and players thoroughly enjoy. The references to Lovecraft and his literary works included inAC Mirageis worthy of the limelight. One of these references is to the infamous Necronomicon which is mentioned in some of HP Lovecraft’s stories. This fictional book appears in the side mission Book of the Dead, where the Necronomicon is referenced among a list of missing books. While the Necronomicon is a fictional book, an anthology of HP Lovecraft’s work waspublished under the same name.
The infamous Book of the Dead is not the only HP Lovecraft reference, though. During the game,Basim is gifted the Monstrous Talisman,which strongly resembles one of Lovecraft’s most iconic monsters, Cthulu. This proves thatAssassin’s Creedcreators are masters of detail and know how to attract keen-eyed fans.
