The assassins, also known as Hashshashin, were a secretive group of warriors who operated during the mediaeval period. Their origins can be traced back to the 11th century, in the region of Persia, which is now modern-day Iran.
The founder of the Assassin order was a man named Hasan-i Sabbah, who was born in the city of Qom, in 1050 CE. Hasan was a Shia Muslim from the Ismaili sect, which was persecuted by the Sunni government in Persia. Hasan aimed to create a society where Ismailis could live peacefully, free from oppression.
To achieve this goal, Hasan established a fortress at Alamut, in the Elburz Mountains, which he used as a base of operations for his followers. He recruited young men and trained them in the art of assassination, espionage, and warfare. These men became known as the Hashshashin, which means “users of hashish” (Arabic: حشيش, ( IPA: [ħæʃiːʃ] )), also known as hash, “dry herb, hay”) in Arabic. The name was given to them because they were believed to use the drug to induce a trance-like state, which allowed them to carry out their deadly missions without fear.
The Hashshashin soon gained a reputation as fearsome assassins, capable of striking their targets with deadly accuracy. They were used by various rulers and warlords in the region, who would hire them to eliminate their enemies. One of the most famous incidents involving the Hashshashin occurred in 1092 CE when they assassinated the vizier of the Seljuk Empire, Nizam al-Mulk. The killing was carried out by a young man named Buwayh, who was able to get close to Nizam by pretending to be a student seeking his advice. The assassination shocked the region and made the Hashshashin a feared and respected force.
Over the years, the Hashshashin carried out numerous assassinations in Persia and other parts of the Islamic world. Here are some examples:
- Syria: The Hashshashin were involved in a long-standing conflict with the Knights Templar, a Christian military order that had established a stronghold in Syria. In 1271 CE, the Hashshashin assassinated the Templar Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, and several other high-ranking members of the order.
- Egypt: In the early 12th century, the Hashshashin were hired by the Fatimid caliphs of Egypt to carry out assassinations against their political enemies. One of their most notable targets was the vizier al-Afdal, who was killed in 1121 CE.
- Anatolia: The Hashshashin were also involved in the politics of Anatolia, a region that encompassed modern-day Turkey. In the late 13th century, they were hired by the Mongol Ilkhanate to assassinate the Sultan of Rum, Kaykaus II.
These are just a few examples of Hashshashin’s activities beyond Persia. They were active in many other parts of the Islamic world, and their reputation as skilled assassins and spies made them a feared and respected force.
They also did spying and sabotage work, using their skills to find out what their enemies were planning and stop them. The Hashshashin stayed a strong group until the 13th century when the Mongols attacked Persia. The Assassin order’s reign of terror ended when the Mongols destroyed Alamut and the Assassin order.
Even though the Hashshashin were violent, they were also known for their architecture and culture. They made many beautiful buildings, like palaces, mosques, and gardens, that still stand as proof of their skill and creativity. They were also big supporters of the arts. For example, they had poems and songs written about them.
In conclusion, the Hashshashin were a group of mediaeval warriors known for their deadly skills in assassination, espionage, and war. They were founded by Hasan-i Sabbah, who established a fortress at Alamut, in the Elburz Mountains. Despite their violent methods, they were also known for their architectural and cultural achievements. When the Mongols invaded Persia in the 13th century, Hashshashin’s reign of terror came to an end. However, their legacy lives on as a reminder of the power of secrecy and skill.
Below are sources that give historical and academic information about where the Hashshashin came from and what they did. They offer a nuanced perspective on this secretive group and help shed light on their significance in the mediaeval period.
- Daftary, F. (1994). The Isma’ilis: Their History and Doctrines. Cambridge University Press.
- Hodgson, M. G. S. (1974). The Order of Assassins: The Politics and Religious Paradigms of Murder. The Journal of Asian Studies, 34(1), 49-70.
- Kennedy, H. (2004). The Assassins: The Story of Medieval Islam’s Secret Sect. Basic Books.
- Lewis, B. (1988). The Assassins: A Radical Sect in Islam. Basic Books.
- Netton, I. R. (1996). The Millennialism of the Assassins. Islamic Studies, 35(2), 141-157.
