Assassin's Creed Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Attack on Prince Suleiman

2011-11-24T01:06:41Z

67.142.174.25: /* Aftermath */

{{Era|Revelations}}

{{WPtimeline}}
{{Spoilerhd}}
{{Event
|width=
|prev=
|conc=
|next=
|imageBG=
|image=[[File:ACR_Suleiman_Yusuf.jpg|300px]]
|name=Attack on Suleiman I
|timeframe=[[Renaissance]]
|conflict=
|date=1511
|place=[[Topkapı Palace]], [[Constantinople]]
|outcome=* [[Suleiman I]] was saved
* [[Ezio Auditore]] established a government contact in Suleiman
* Ezio and Suleiman began their investigation on [[Tarik Barleti]]
|key=*[[Assassins]]
*[[Ottomans]]
*[[Byzantines|Byzantine]] [[Templars]]
|participants=*[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
*[[Yusuf Tazim]]
*[[Suleiman I]]
*[[Ahmet]]
*[[Tarik Barleti]]}}

The '''attack on Suleiman I''' was an event that occurred during 1511, in which [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] and members of the [[Turkish Assassins|Constantinople Guild]] of [[Assassins]] infiltrated the cultural exposition at [[Topkapı Palace]], in order to protect Prince [[Suleiman I]] from [[Byzantines|Byzantine]] assassins.

==Rescue==
===The plan===
{{dialogue|Ezio|Trust me Yusuf, just tell me where to go.|Yusuf|Topkapı's main gate. We plan to dress as entertainers and walk right in.|Ezio and Yusuf discussing the infiltration.|Assassin's Creed: Revelations}}
After hearing of a [[Masyaf keys|Masyaf key]] found underneath Topkapı Palace by [[Byzantines|Byzantine]] [[Templars]], Ezio Auditore wished to make a contact within the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] court to discover how. Meeting [[Yusuf Tazim]], along with other Assassins, at the [[Hippodrome of Constantinople|Hippodrome]], he told Ezio of [[Byzantines|Byzantine]] [[Templars]] planning to infilitrate Topkapı Palace and assassinate the 17-year old Governor of Kaffa and grandson of Sultan [[Bayezid II]], Prince Suleiman I. Though initally reluctant to let Ezio participate in the rescue, Yusuf eventually told him of their plan to dress as minstrels and infiltrate the palace themselves.

Hearing of Italian minstrels already at Topkapı Palace, the Assassins made their way across the [[Imperial District]]'s rooftops, and, upon reaching the palace, began their search for the minstrels. Eventually finding them, Ezio and the Assassins silently rendered every one of them unconcious and hid the bodies in nearby hay stacks.

===The exposition===
{{quote|Suleiman. The Sultan's grandson, and governor of Kefe. And he's only seventeen.|Yusuf describing Suleiman I to Ezio.|Assassin's Creed: Revelations}} Once the exposition had begun, the Assassins dressed themselves in the minstrel's outfits. Finding a lute, Ezio took it and approached the courtyard's entrance with his fellow Assassins, but were stopped by guards, who were not convinced by their disguises. With no other choice, Ezio began to play the lute and sang to the guards. Eventually getting tired of Ezio, they told him to instead bother the guests inside.

[[File:Suleiman_ahmet.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio and Yusuf watching Ahmet and Suleiman.]]
Finally inside the palace, the Assassins began to roam the courtyard while Ezio routed out the Byzantine assassins through his [[Eagle Sense|improved senses]]. Eventually, he discovered two Byzantines hiding amongst the crowds of guests. Signalling the Assassins to kill the Byzantines, Ezio distracted the guests by singing to them with his lute. Afterwards, Ezio met up with Yusuf and told him of the two Byzantines. Yusuf then pointed out the absense of Suleiman in this courtyard, and proceeded to make their way to the adjacent courtyard. Upon reaching it, the two Assassins noticed Suleiman and also his uncle, Prince [[Ahmet]], the eldest son of [[Bayezid II]], greeting guests. Ezio told Yusuf of his encounter with Suleiman on the ship to Constantinople, who told him he was a student. As Suleiman broke off and began mingling with guests, Ezio followed him.

[[File:Ezio_suleiman.png|thumb|250px|Ezio and Suleiman.]]
Again using the same tactic of distracting the guests while the Assassins carried out the killings, they eventually picked off four more Byzantine assassins. However, a group of guards eventually found the poorly hidden body of a Byzantine assassin and ran to attack Yusuf. Eventually arriving at the scene, Ezio was warned by Yusuf of a Byzantine assassin running to attack Suleiman. Breaking his lute in two, Ezio ran towards the Byzantine and impaled him with the top half of the lute, while Yusuf finished off the guards. Another guard then arrived, asking Suleiman if he had been injured. Ignoring the question, Suleiman asked the guard who his captain was, to which he replied [[Tarik Barleti]]. He then ordered the guard to send the guests home and summon Tarik to the palace. Once the guard had gone, Suleiman asked Ezio to meet him at the palace's courtyard later. Ezio agreed, and proceeded to make his depature with Yusuf and the Assassins.

==Conspiracy==
{{quote|Your incompetence borders on treason. And to think that today your Janissaries were outshone by an Italian lute player. Preposterous!|Ahmet arguing with Tarik.|Assassin's Creed: Revelations}}
[[File:Suleiman_ezio.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio and Suleiman meeting in the courtyard.]]
Back in his own clothing, Ezio returned to the palace. Scaling the outer walls, he made his way unnoticed across the rooftops and eventually reached Suleiman. Suleiman told Ezio of the meeting he had arranged with the Janissary captain Tarik and his uncle, Prince Ahmet. He then told him of the Janisseries becoming angry at Bayzeid II over his choice to make Ahmet the next Sultan, wishing it to be [[Selim I]], Suleiman's father, instead. Ezio asked how the Byzantines fit into it, to which Suleiman replied he was hoping Ezio knew, but asked him if he was willing to assist him in finding out. Ezio agreed, so long as their interests ran parallel. With this, Suleiman told Ezio to enter a hatch on top of the Tower of Justice, which led to a hidden room overlooking the meeting place. Ezio did so, and watched on as the three men argued over the night's happenings, although, unbeknownst to Ezio and Suleiman, it was Ahmet who had ordered the attempt on his nephew's life.

As Suleiman left to rendevous with Ezio, Ahmet asked Tarik why the Janisseries held such contempt for him, to which Tarik replied that he was weak, pensive in times of war and restless in periods of peace, that he lacked passion for the traditions of the ''ghazi'' (holy warriors), yet he spoke of fraternity in the company of infidels. Enraged, Ahmet ordered Tarik to leave.

[[File:Ahmet_tarik.png|thumb|250px|Tarik and Ahmet.]]
As Ezio and Suleiman watched Tarik leave, Ezio noted that Ahmet lacked sway over Tarik. Suleiman agreed, and went on to describe Tarik as a hard man: proud and capable, but ambitious, who admired Selim I greatly. Though, the two were suspicious of Tarik's inability to secure the palace against the Byzantine infiltration. Suleiman then advised Ezio to begin their investigation on Tarik and the Janissaries at the [[Grand Bazaar]]. Ezio replied he would start there when he could, and took his leave.

==Aftermath==
{{quote|For now, keep an eye on Tarik and his Janissaries. They spend much of their time in and around the Bazaar.|Suleiman advising Ezio on where he should begin their investigation.|Assassin's Creed: Revelations}}

Using Suleiman's advice, Ezio made his way to the Grand Bazaar and followed Tarik unnoticed, until he met with [[Manuel Palaeologos]], nephew of the deceased Byzantine Emperor Constantine XII.

==Source==
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''

{{Timeline}}
[[Category:Major Events]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]
[[Category:Timeline]]

Byzantine Empire

2011-10-11T02:13:49Z

67.142.174.25: /* Fall of the Empire */

{{Era|Revelations}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{Revamp}}
{{Faction infobox
|name = Byzantines
|image = 500px-Palaiologos_Dynasty_emblem.svg.png
|imgdesc =
|hideo =
|founder = [[wikipedia:Constantine I (emporor)|Constantine I]]
|leader = Emperor
|headquarters = [[Constantinople]]
|locations =
|related = [[Roman Empire|Romans]] [[Templars]]
|religion = [[wikipedia:Religion in ancient Rome|Roman paganism]] until 391, [[wikipedia:Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox Christianity]] tolerated after the [[wikipedia:Edict of Milan|Edict of Milan]] in 313 and [[wikipedia:State church of the Roman Empire|state religion]] after 380.
|hideh =
|formed = 330
|reorganised =
|collapsed = 1453
|hidea =
|notable = [[Manuel Palaeologos]] [[Leandros]]<ref name="Revelations Single-player Demo">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>
|}}
The '''Byzantine Empire''' (or '''Byzantium''') was the predominantly Greek-speaking remnant of the Eastern [[Roman Empire]] throughout [[wikipedia:Late Antiquity|Late Antiquity]] and the [[wikipedia:Middle Ages|Middle Ages]].

==History==
Known simply as the Roman Empire ([[wikipedia:Greek language|Greek]]: Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων, ''Basileia Rhōmaiōn)'' or Romania (Ῥωμανία, ''Rhōmanía'') by its contemporaries, the Empire was centered on the capital of Byzantium (later renamed [[Constantinople]] under Emperor Constantine) and was ruled by [[wikipedia:Byzantine emperors|emperors]] in direct to the ancient Roman Emperors after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.<ref name="Wikipedia">[[wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|''Wikipedia'': Byzantine Empire]]</ref>

===Late antiquity===
In this time and after, between the 4th and 10th centuries, the Byzantines recaptured vital territory in North Africa, the Balkans, and even the [[Italy|Italian]] city of [[Rome]] thanks to its General Belisarius. However, these conquests were not to last, as Italy was soon recaptured by Germanic barbarians once Belisarius was called back. From 640 to 698, Byzantine North Africa came under assault and fell to a new enemy, the Arabs. In the years from 674 to 717, the Arab expansion conquered territory in Egypt, Palestine and Persia. They were finally halted at Constantinople. Thanks to many factors, such as the Theodosian Walls, a powerful and dedicated navy, and their secret weapon [[Greek Fire]] (which was mostly used by the navy), the Byzantines prevented their capital from falling, and secured themselves a place within Medieval history.<ref name="Wikipedia" />

===Early Middle Ages===
At the start of the Middle Ages, the Empire was the most powerful Christian Nation. However, their grasp over Italy was lost as the Norman Robert Guiscard stormed an took each Byzantine controlled city. At the same time, the newly arrived Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Army (led by Emperor Romanus) at Manzikert. Eventually, the Turks took almost all of Anatolia from the Byzantines and became the new power of the area. They became so powerful, in fact, that the Byzantines were forced to ask the Pope in Rome for aid, leading to the Crusades.
These Crusades, in the Emperor's eyes, were meant to retake areas for the Byzantines, but instead the Crusaders took territory for themselves. Mistrust in the Byzantines (due to their lack of promised aid to the cause) among the Crusaders even caused them to take some Byzantine territory. After the first few Crusades, the Byzantine Empire had a brief moment of power as Manuel II became emperor and improved its army and economy, as well as making many diplomatic treaties with the Empire's enemies.<ref name="Wikipedia" />

However, one Manuel had died, the Byzantine's enemies came back to strike. Turks continued to press at the Empire's borders and more Crusades were launched. These attacks culminated in the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The Venetian Doge, Dandalo, with the support of Catholic crusaders, sacked Constantinople after promising a disposed Byzantine Emperor that they would restore him. Instead, a Latin Kingdom held onto this territory until 1261. After retaking their capital, the Byzantine Empire declined rapidly, due to civil strife and a new foe: The [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="Wikipedia" />

===Late Middle Ages===
====Fall of the Empire====
Without support from other Christian nations after years of mistrust, the Byzantine territories were taken piece by piece by the rising[[Ottoman Empire| Ottoman Empire]].
Eventually, every Byzantine territory was taken by the Ottomans except for a few territories in Greece and northern Anatolia, as well as Constantinople, which was eventually surrounded.
Finally, after a last stand in the defense of Constantinople by the last emperor, Constantine XI Palaeologos, the Empire fell in 1453 due to the decisive siege conducted by Sultan Mehmed II. By 1511, the remnants of the Empire were still headed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaiologos House of Palaiologos] under [[Manuel Palaeologos]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===Infiltration of the Templars===
During the early 16th century after the [[Templars]] were driven from [[Italy]] by the [[Assassins]], [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] mostly responsible for their downfall, the Templars fled. They were able to seize control of the remnants of the Byzantine Empire. Now in control of the Byzantine remnants, the Templars set up their primary headquarters at [[Cappadocia]]. The Byzantine then aimed to uproot the Ottomans and take control of Constantinople.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

====Masyaf====
[[File:The_Wounded_Eagle_3.png|thumb|250px|Byzantine soldiers with one of their Templar masters, Leandros.]]Eventually, the Templars showed great interest in [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's]] five [[Seals of Altaïr|seals]]. Because of this, many Byzantine soldiers went to [[Masyaf]] with their Templar masters in an attempt to recover the seals or gain a better understanding of them. The Byzantine soldiers were able to recover at least one of the five seals, which was later kept in by their commander and Templar master, [[Leandros]]. However, eventually the seal was stolen by Ezio Auditore, who also sought all five seals and killed Leandros.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

====Constantinople====

As the Templars plotted to overthrow the Ottomans, many Byzantine soldiers were present in Constantinople at the time. By 1511, they rivalled the [[Constantinople Assassins Guild]]. At one point, a group of Byzantine soldiers attacked the [[Galata District]], though were driven away by the Assassins. The Byzantine remnants were able to secure several strongholds across Constantinople as their Templar leaders plotted against the Ottomans. However, the Assassins took the strongholds for themselves and converted them into [[Assassin Dens]]. At some point, Cappadocia was infiltrated by Ezio.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{ACR}}
[[Category:Countries]]

Byzantine Empire

2011-10-11T02:08:02Z

67.142.174.25: /* Late antiquity */

{{Era|Revelations}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{Revamp}}
{{Faction infobox
|name = Byzantines
|image = 500px-Palaiologos_Dynasty_emblem.svg.png
|imgdesc =
|hideo =
|founder = [[wikipedia:Constantine I (emporor)|Constantine I]]
|leader = Emperor
|headquarters = [[Constantinople]]
|locations =
|related = [[Roman Empire|Romans]] [[Templars]]
|religion = [[wikipedia:Religion in ancient Rome|Roman paganism]] until 391, [[wikipedia:Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox Christianity]] tolerated after the [[wikipedia:Edict of Milan|Edict of Milan]] in 313 and [[wikipedia:State church of the Roman Empire|state religion]] after 380.
|hideh =
|formed = 330
|reorganised =
|collapsed = 1453
|hidea =
|notable = [[Manuel Palaeologos]] [[Leandros]]<ref name="Revelations Single-player Demo">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>
|}}
The '''Byzantine Empire''' (or '''Byzantium''') was the predominantly Greek-speaking remnant of the Eastern [[Roman Empire]] throughout [[wikipedia:Late Antiquity|Late Antiquity]] and the [[wikipedia:Middle Ages|Middle Ages]].

==History==
Known simply as the Roman Empire ([[wikipedia:Greek language|Greek]]: Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων, ''Basileia Rhōmaiōn)'' or Romania (Ῥωμανία, ''Rhōmanía'') by its contemporaries, the Empire was centered on the capital of Byzantium (later renamed [[Constantinople]] under Emperor Constantine) and was ruled by [[wikipedia:Byzantine emperors|emperors]] in direct to the ancient Roman Emperors after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.<ref name="Wikipedia">[[wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|''Wikipedia'': Byzantine Empire]]</ref>

===Late antiquity===
In this time and after, between the 4th and 10th centuries, the Byzantines recaptured vital territory in North Africa, the Balkans, and even the [[Italy|Italian]] city of [[Rome]] thanks to its General Belisarius. However, these conquests were not to last, as Italy was soon recaptured by Germanic barbarians once Belisarius was called back. From 640 to 698, Byzantine North Africa came under assault and fell to a new enemy, the Arabs. In the years from 674 to 717, the Arab expansion conquered territory in Egypt, Palestine and Persia. They were finally halted at Constantinople. Thanks to many factors, such as the Theodosian Walls, a powerful and dedicated navy, and their secret weapon [[Greek Fire]] (which was mostly used by the navy), the Byzantines prevented their capital from falling, and secured themselves a place within Medieval history.<ref name="Wikipedia" />

===Early Middle Ages===
At the start of the Middle Ages, the Empire was the most powerful Christian Nation. However, their grasp over Italy was lost as the Norman Robert Guiscard stormed an took each Byzantine controlled city. At the same time, the newly arrived Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Army (led by Emperor Romanus) at Manzikert. Eventually, the Turks took almost all of Anatolia from the Byzantines and became the new power of the area. They became so powerful, in fact, that the Byzantines were forced to ask the Pope in Rome for aid, leading to the Crusades.
These Crusades, in the Emperor's eyes, were meant to retake areas for the Byzantines, but instead the Crusaders took territory for themselves. Mistrust in the Byzantines (due to their lack of promised aid to the cause) among the Crusaders even caused them to take some Byzantine territory. After the first few Crusades, the Byzantine Empire had a brief moment of power as Manuel II became emperor and improved its army and economy, as well as making many diplomatic treaties with the Empire's enemies.<ref name="Wikipedia" />

However, one Manuel had died, the Byzantine's enemies came back to strike. Turks continued to press at the Empire's borders and more Crusades were launched. These attacks culminated in the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The Venetian Doge, Dandalo, with the support of Catholic crusaders, sacked Constantinople after promising a disposed Byzantine Emperor that they would restore him. Instead, a Latin Kingdom held onto this territory until 1261. After retaking their capital, the Byzantine Empire declined rapidly, due to civil strife and a new foe: The [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="Wikipedia" />

===Late Middle Ages===
====Fall of the Empire====
Without support from other Christian nations after years of mistrust, the Byzantine territories were taken piece by piece bythe rising[[Ottoman Empire| Ottoman Empire]].
Eventually, every Byzantine territory was taken by the Ottomans and Constantinople was surrounded.
Finally, after a last stand in the defense of Constantinople by the last emperor, Constantine XI Palaeologos, the Empire fell in 1453 due to the decisive siege conducted by Sultan Mehmed II. By 1511, the remnants of the Empire were still headed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaiologos House of Palaiologos] under [[Manuel Palaeologos]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===Infiltration of the Templars===
During the early 16th century after the [[Templars]] were driven from [[Italy]] by the [[Assassins]], [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] mostly responsible for their downfall, the Templars fled. They were able to seize control of the remnants of the Byzantine Empire. Now in control of the Byzantine remnants, the Templars set up their primary headquarters at [[Cappadocia]]. The Byzantine then aimed to uproot the Ottomans and take control of Constantinople.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

====Masyaf====
[[File:The_Wounded_Eagle_3.png|thumb|250px|Byzantine soldiers with one of their Templar masters, Leandros.]]Eventually, the Templars showed great interest in [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's]] five [[Seals of Altaïr|seals]]. Because of this, many Byzantine soldiers went to [[Masyaf]] with their Templar masters in an attempt to recover the seals or gain a better understanding of them. The Byzantine soldiers were able to recover at least one of the five seals, which was later kept in by their commander and Templar master, [[Leandros]]. However, eventually the seal was stolen by Ezio Auditore, who also sought all five seals and killed Leandros.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

====Constantinople====

As the Templars plotted to overthrow the Ottomans, many Byzantine soldiers were present in Constantinople at the time. By 1511, they rivalled the [[Constantinople Assassins Guild]]. At one point, a group of Byzantine soldiers attacked the [[Galata District]], though were driven away by the Assassins. The Byzantine remnants were able to secure several strongholds across Constantinople as their Templar leaders plotted against the Ottomans. However, the Assassins took the strongholds for themselves and converted them into [[Assassin Dens]]. At some point, Cappadocia was infiltrated by Ezio.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{ACR}}
[[Category:Countries]]

Byzantine Empire

2011-10-11T02:00:19Z

67.142.174.25: /* Early Middle Ages */

{{Era|Revelations}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{Revamp}}
{{Faction infobox
|name = Byzantines
|image = 500px-Palaiologos_Dynasty_emblem.svg.png
|imgdesc =
|hideo =
|founder = [[wikipedia:Constantine I (emporor)|Constantine I]]
|leader = Emperor
|headquarters = [[Constantinople]]
|locations =
|related = [[Roman Empire|Romans]] [[Templars]]
|religion = [[wikipedia:Religion in ancient Rome|Roman paganism]] until 391, [[wikipedia:Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox Christianity]] tolerated after the [[wikipedia:Edict of Milan|Edict of Milan]] in 313 and [[wikipedia:State church of the Roman Empire|state religion]] after 380.
|hideh =
|formed = 330
|reorganised =
|collapsed = 1453
|hidea =
|notable = [[Manuel Palaeologos]] [[Leandros]]<ref name="Revelations Single-player Demo">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>
|}}
The '''Byzantine Empire''' (or '''Byzantium''') was the predominantly Greek-speaking remnant of the Eastern [[Roman Empire]] throughout [[wikipedia:Late Antiquity|Late Antiquity]] and the [[wikipedia:Middle Ages|Middle Ages]].

==History==
Known simply as the Roman Empire ([[wikipedia:Greek language|Greek]]: Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων, ''Basileia Rhōmaiōn)'' or Romania (Ῥωμανία, ''Rhōmanía'') by its contemporaries, the Empire was centered on the capital of Byzantium (later renamed [[Constantinople]] under Emperor Constantine) and was ruled by [[wikipedia:Byzantine emperors|emperors]] in direct to the ancient Roman Emperors after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.<ref name="Wikipedia">[[wikipedia:Byzantine Empire|''Wikipedia'': Byzantine Empire]]</ref>

===Late antiquity===
In this time and after, between the 4th and 10th centuries, the Byzantines recaptured vital territory in North Africa, the Balkans, and even the [[Italy|Italian]] city of [[Rome]]. From 640 to 698, Byzantine North Africa came under assault and fell to more Arab forces. In the years from 674 to 717, the Arabs are finally defeated in one place: Constantinople. Siege after siege, the Arab armies were determined. However, the Byzantines giant walls, dedicated navy, and their secret weapon, the [[Greek Fire]], prevented the capital of their empire from falling.<ref name="Wikipedia" />

===Early Middle Ages===
At the start of the Middle Ages, the Empire was the most powerful Christian Nation. However, their grasp over Italy was lost as the Norman Robert Guiscard stormed an took each Byzantine controlled city. At the same time, the newly arrived Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Army (led by Emperor Romanus) at Manzikert. Eventually, the Turks took almost all of Anatolia from the Byzantines and became the new power of the area. They became so powerful, in fact, that the Byzantines were forced to ask the Pope in Rome for aid, leading to the Crusades.
These Crusades, in the Emperor's eyes, were meant to retake areas for the Byzantines, but instead the Crusaders took territory for themselves. Mistrust in the Byzantines (due to their lack of promised aid to the cause) among the Crusaders even caused them to take some Byzantine territory. After the first few Crusades, the Byzantine Empire had a brief moment of power as Manuel II became emperor and improved its army and economy, as well as making many diplomatic treaties with the Empire's enemies.<ref name="Wikipedia" />

However, one Manuel had died, the Byzantine's enemies came back to strike. Turks continued to press at the Empire's borders and more Crusades were launched. These attacks culminated in the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The Venetian Doge, Dandalo, with the support of Catholic crusaders, sacked Constantinople after promising a disposed Byzantine Emperor that they would restore him. Instead, a Latin Kingdom held onto this territory until 1261. After retaking their capital, the Byzantine Empire declined rapidly, due to civil strife and a new foe: The [[Ottoman Empire]].<ref name="Wikipedia" />

===Late Middle Ages===
====Fall of the Empire====
Without support from other Christian nations after years of mistrust, the Byzantine territories were taken piece by piece bythe rising[[Ottoman Empire| Ottoman Empire]].
Eventually, every Byzantine territory was taken by the Ottomans and Constantinople was surrounded.
Finally, after a last stand in the defense of Constantinople by the last emperor, Constantine XI Palaeologos, the Empire fell in 1453 due to the decisive siege conducted by Sultan Mehmed II. By 1511, the remnants of the Empire were still headed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palaiologos House of Palaiologos] under [[Manuel Palaeologos]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===Infiltration of the Templars===
During the early 16th century after the [[Templars]] were driven from [[Italy]] by the [[Assassins]], [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] mostly responsible for their downfall, the Templars fled. They were able to seize control of the remnants of the Byzantine Empire. Now in control of the Byzantine remnants, the Templars set up their primary headquarters at [[Cappadocia]]. The Byzantine then aimed to uproot the Ottomans and take control of Constantinople.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

====Masyaf====
[[File:The_Wounded_Eagle_3.png|thumb|250px|Byzantine soldiers with one of their Templar masters, Leandros.]]Eventually, the Templars showed great interest in [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's]] five [[Seals of Altaïr|seals]]. Because of this, many Byzantine soldiers went to [[Masyaf]] with their Templar masters in an attempt to recover the seals or gain a better understanding of them. The Byzantine soldiers were able to recover at least one of the five seals, which was later kept in by their commander and Templar master, [[Leandros]]. However, eventually the seal was stolen by Ezio Auditore, who also sought all five seals and killed Leandros.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

====Constantinople====

As the Templars plotted to overthrow the Ottomans, many Byzantine soldiers were present in Constantinople at the time. By 1511, they rivalled the [[Constantinople Assassins Guild]]. At one point, a group of Byzantine soldiers attacked the [[Galata District]], though were driven away by the Assassins. The Byzantine remnants were able to secure several strongholds across Constantinople as their Templar leaders plotted against the Ottomans. However, the Assassins took the strongholds for themselves and converted them into [[Assassin Dens]]. At some point, Cappadocia was infiltrated by Ezio.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{ACR}}
[[Category:Countries]]