Assassin's Creed Atlas

Synopsis

An officially licensed guide to the exciting historical destinations and ancient battlegrounds of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series Meticulously re-created historical sites are a staple of the bestselling Assassin’s Creed series—and, in fact, are one of the main draws of Ubisoft’s all-time bestselling property. Each new game transports gamers to a different era and locale, beginning with Jerusalem in the time of the Crusades and going on to explore Renaissance-era Italy, colonial America, Paris during the French Revolution, 19th-century London, and ancient Greece and Egypt. Assassin’s Creed has provided a means to walk through the past and experience world history in a firsthand, immersive way. In Assassin’s Creed: Atlas, previously unpublished maps, diagrams, and drawings illuminate all of the lands of antiquity featured across the series that have defined both real-world history and the games themselves. Throughout, gaming journalist Guillaume Delalande expands on Assassin's Creed’s fascinating lore and reflects on the critical moments that gamers experienced in these locations.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Nation

In the first chapter of Assassin’s Creed Atlas, readers are introduced to the country of Assyria, which has been founded by the Akkadian people. This chapter mainly focuses on the rise of the Assyrian Empire and its establishment as a major power in the region, culminating in the reign of King Kurigalzu I. It explains how Assyria became powerful through its military, economic, and political strength, as well as its use of advanced technologies such as bronze weapons and the chariot. It also describes the system of government, including the structure of laws, taxation, and judiciary.

The chapter also outlines the various religious beliefs of the Assyrians and how it influenced their culture and politics. It explains how religion was used to build an efficient and unified government and how it contributed to the overall advancement of the empire. To illustrate the power of religion, the chapter provides example of how King Kurigalzu I used religious symbols to portray the power of Assyria to outsiders.

Finally, the chapter describes how the Assyrians began to build temples and monuments to represent and honor their gods. These include the god Shamash, the sun god Mitra, and the storm and flood god Ea. Through this effort, the Assyrians were able to further promote the power of their empire.

Chapter 2: The Warring Cities

In the second chapter of Assassin’s Creed: Atlas, readers are introduced to the many city-states of Assyria and how they interacted and fought with each other. It states how, despite their internal disputes, they managed to come together in times of need and build a strong defensive wall around the nation. This wall played a pivotal role in protecting Assyria from foreign threats. The chapter then discusses the various weapons and tactics used during this period, including the chariot and the composite bow. It also dwells on the importance of trade and diplomacy in maintaining relations with other nations.

The chapter also introduces the gods of war in Assyria, most notably Ishtar and Ninurta. It explains how they were viewed as powerful protectors who required gifts and sacrifices in order to protect their people. As examples, it narrates how King Kurigalzu I used these gods to keep his political rivals at bay and how he made sure to repay them for their services.

Finally, the chapter wraps up by discussing the decline of the Assyrian Empire. It describes how the internal disputes and the power of other regional powers eventually led to its fall.

Chapter 3: The New World

In the third chapter of Assassin’s Creed Atlas, readers are taken on a journey to the new world discovered by the Akkadian people. It explains how they set out on sailing ships and how they were able to reach and explore new lands. This chapter also details the various discoveries made by the Akkadians, such as the island of Aedran and the land of Jeikustan. It further explains how the new discoveries enabled the Akkadians to develop trade networks and how they were able to exploit the natural resources found there.

The chapter then moves on to how the Akkadians adapted to the different cultures that they encountered in the new lands. It explains how they used diplomacy and intermarriage to strengthen their settlements and how their gods were accepted by the native peoples. It further talks about how the Akkadians eventually established a powerful empire in the region, through their advances in technology and military capacities.

Finally, the chapter talks about how the Akkadians went on to conquer many of their neighbors in the east and spread their influence even further. It talks about how the Akkadians influenced the cultures of their new lands through their writing and other forms of art. This chapter also outlines the various flaws and corruption that eventually led to the downfall of the Akkadian Empire.