Assassin’s Creed has always been heavily rooted in history. This goes back to the very first Assassin’s Creed game that tried to use real historical events, people, and places to shape their story. However, in those early games, the history was a bit detached from the player.
This has changed in more recent games as Assassin’s Creed has tried to invite the player in to explore and appreciate the history from which the games are based. Assassin’s Creed Mirage accomplishes this by placing historical site collectibles around the map that can educate the player about the Arabic world. Here are some of the best historical sites in the game based on their impact on the world, the game’s story, and the people of Baghdad.
10 Caravanserai
One of the great things about these historical site entries is that they expand beyond the nature of the game and give context to average parts of society. This is one such example. It really just refers to an inn or a tavern, a place alongside the road for tired travelers to stop and rest.
Within the context of the game, the collectible can be found at an abandoned one that had been taken over by thieves. Basim infiltrates the place and steals some loot, giving players an opportunity to see what these locations are like.
- Highlights average life
- Mission integrated
9 Dome Of The Ass
Despite having what many would consider a hilarious name, the Dome Of The Ass is quite indicative and emblematic of the time period and Islamic culture in general. It refers to the donkey, which was highly regarded at the time. The caliph who built the dome did so as a tribute to the animal. He even designed it so that he could ride a trained donkey up to the top.
After the revolution, the new regime still considered the site important as they took power during the year of the donkey. It was a noble coincidence that elevates this location’s status and beauty in the region.
- Humorous name
- Beautiful architecture
- Offers a unique story from its creation
8 Shurta
The shurta was a police force within Baghdad, and anyone who has played an Assassin’s Creed game in the past knows that the Hidden Ones and the police don’t get along too often. Because of how the Order Of Ancients operates, it is very easy for them to infiltrate certain judicial systems with corruption.
The shurta and Basim clash on numerous occasions. Basim also has to infiltrate their headquarters on a mission, which is a dangerous prospect when they act both as judge as well as the police.
- Mission integrated
- Large part of everyday life
7 Dur-Kurigalzu
The appeal for Assassin’s Creed games is that it’s ancient history, which allows players to become immersed in a time long ago. But, it’s also important to remember that there is also ancient history for those living during that time period.
This is one such example. It’s a location in the wilderness that represents structures built thousands of years before the game takes place. There are plenty of beautiful buildings within Baghdad, but it’s also nice to visit locations outside the city that have a long and important history — Dur-Kurigalzu offers a unique location to visit over the course of the game.
- Historically significant
- Change of pace from the bustle of the city
6 Founding Of Baghdad
Cities are extremely important to Assassin’s Creed. They are almost characters in and of themselves, which give life and atmosphere to the experience. So, it’s important to understand the context and history behind these locations, which is why this historical site collectible should be on every player’s list.
It details how Baghdad wasn’t the original capital of the previous caliphate. Baghdad was just a small village during the revolution, but when the capital was moved there, the city quickly expanded with multiple districts, making it the metropolitan powerhouse it is today.
- Provides valuable story context
- Deepens the franchise trend toward education
5 The One Thousand And One Nights
The One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of tales that played an important role in building out the mythology of the ancient Islamic world. This is a historical site is located in the wilderness, and for those who have the Forty Thieves DLC, it’s pretty obvious why.
Ali Baba’s story is chronicled in the book, so the historical site collectible is located close to the Forty Thieves’ hideout where the mission takes place. In a world so deeply rooted in stories, this is definitely an important historical site.
- Culturally significant
- Mission integrated
4 Bazaar
The bazaar is the quintessential image of the ancient Islamic world. It’s even an element of Middle Eastern life that continues strong to this day. The area is a bustling marketplace filled with all sorts of vendors and goods.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage encapsulate this well by creating a beautiful setting filled with people and commerce. So of course it’s going to be a location where a lot of Basim’s missions take place. It wouldn’t be a great Assassin’s Creed without a chase through the bazaar.
- Mission integrated
- Showcases the city’s diverse population and interests
3 House Of Wisdom
A lot of action in Assassin’s Creed takes place in and around the House Of Wisdom, and this is not surprising. The House Of Wisdom is meant to be the intellectual center of Baghdad. A lot of wise thinkers, scholars, and intellectuals arose from this time and place in history — but intellectuals aren’t immune to corruption.
They can easily fall prey to the temptation the Order Of Ancients presents. Basim must visit the House Of Wisdom often in his mission as a Hidden One, including when search for the lost books.
- Recurring mission location
- Intellectual center of Baghdad
2 The Banu Musa Brothers
The Banu Musa Brothers were three real life historical figures and scholars. They contributed greatly to science, mathematics, and technology. Usually figures like this help the Hidden Ones but only as minor characters. Leonardo da Vinci in Assassin’s Creed II is a great example of this.
But the Banu Musa Brothers play a much more integral role to the nature of the game. They are positioned within the Hidden Ones’ bureau and help Basim level up the various items that he uses on his missions.
- Real-life historical figures
- Deeply rooted in the game’s narrative
1 Abbasid Revolution
The most important thing when playing an Assassin’s Creed game is understanding the historical context from which the game arises. Assassin’s Creed is very story based, meaning the game’s narrative is propelled by the mission to fight against injustice and corruption. To understand this, players need to learn about the context of the time period.
For Assassin’s Creed Mirage, that means being aware of the Abbasid Caliphate and the revolution that sparked their rise. This is the world that Basim lives in and is fighting against, so it’s immensely important to understand that point of view.
- Pivotal to the game’s setting
- Fleshes out Basim’s motivations