Assassins: The Story of Medieval Islam’s Secret Sect

The Assassins are among the most compelling figures of medieval history, with a reputation as drug-crazed fanatics who murdered their enemies and terrorised the medieval world. Since the colourful tales of Marco Polo, the myths surrounding them have been wildly exaggerated and the truth has become ever more obscure. This new book separates fact from fiction and shows that the Assassins of history are just as interesting as the Assassins of legend. The group first appeared in the late eleventh century as an offshoot of the Ismaili sect of Islam. They called themselves Nizaris but to some other Muslims they were ‘hashishiyyum’, a derogatory term meaning ‘hashish taker’. Usually based in mountain fortresses, over the next two centuries they spread from Persia into Syria, central Asia and India, using assassination as only one of a number of methods of achieving their aims.Widely loathed and feared, they were especially threatening because they had no fear of death. If they were to die in the execution of their mission they were hailed as martyrs and promised eternal life in a secret garden of paradise. Indeed, most of the assassinations they carried out were suicide missions, usually committed in public in broad daylight and with little opportunity for the Assassin to escape. Often, he would befriend his intended victim months beforehand and then, once trust had been established, he would suddenly strike – servant or friend turned killer.W. B. Bartlett’s pacy narrative follows the history of the group with special reference to the Alamut period (1093-1256). Fascinatingly, he shows how their history and mythology have been developed over time through the writings of Westernchroniclers.