With the introduction of the popular game "Assassins Creed," many people had questions: "Who are the assassins?", "Does the game have a connection with reality?" Indeed, such a society was in the Middle Ages.
In the 10-13 centuries in the mountainous regions of Persia, the state of Alamut existed. It arose as a result of the split of Islam and the development of the Shia Islamist sect, with which the dominant religious system waged an implacable struggle.
Ideological clashes in Islamic countries often turned into questions about life and death. Hassan ibn Sabbah, the founder of the new state, had to think about survival in a warring environment. In addition to the fact that the country was located in a mountainous region, and all the cities were fortified and inaccessible, he made extensive use of intelligence and punitive operations against all enemies of Alamut. Soon, the entire eastern world learned about who these assassins are.
In the palace of Hassan ibn Sabbah, who was also called the King of the Hill, a closed society of the elect was formed, ready to die for the approval of the ruler and Allah. The organization consisted of several stages of initiation. The lower level was occupied by suicide bombers. Their task was to complete the task at all costs. To do this, one could lie, pretend, wait a long time, but punishment for the condemned was inevitable. Many rulers of Muslim and even European principalities knew firsthand who the assassins were.
Joining a secret society was desirable for many young people of Alamut, as it provided an opportunity to receive universal approval and to join secret knowledge. Only the most persistent received the right to enter the gates of a mountain fortress - the residence of Hassan ibn Sabbah. There, the convert underwent psychological treatment. It came down to the use of drugs and the suggestion that the subject was in paradise. When the young people were intoxicated, half-naked girls came in, assuring that heavenly pleasures would be available immediately after the will of Allah was fulfilled. This explains the fearlessness of suicide bombers - punishers who, after completing the mission, did not even try to hide from retaliation, accepting it as a reward.
Initially, the Assassins fought against the Muslim principalities. And even after the arrival of the crusaders in Palestine, their main enemies remained other currents of Islam and unrighteous Muslim rulers. It is believed that for some time the Templars and Assassins were allies, chivalric orders even hired the assassins of the King of the Hill to solve their own problems. But this situation did not last long. Assassins did not forgive betrayals and use in vain. Soon the sect was already at war against both Christians and fellow believers.
In the 13th century, the Alamut was destroyed by the Mongols. The question arises: was this the end of the sect? Some say that since then they begin to forget who the assassins are. Others see traces of the organization in Persia, India, and in Western European countries.
Everything is permitted - the King of the hill instructed his suicide bombers, sending him to complete a mission. The same motto continues to exist among a number of extremist organizations that use all methods to solve their problems. In the vast majority of cases, they simply use the religious feelings, needs and hopes of suicide bombers. At the highest levels of initiation, religious pragmatism reigns. So in our time, assassins also exist - they are called, perhaps, in a different way, but the essence remains: intimidation and murder to achieve their political or economic goals. This connection is especially evident in Islamic terrorist groups. At the same time, it should be noted that individual terror has been replaced by public terror, which means that any ordinary citizen can become a victim.