Jerusalem: Difference between revisions
imported>Darman36 |
imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 No edit summary |
||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
|factions = [[Saracens]]<br>[[Assassins]]<br>[[Templars]] | |factions = [[Saracens]]<br>[[Assassins]]<br>[[Templars]] | ||
|date = 19th century BCE | |date = 19th century BCE | ||
|landmark = [[Dome of the Rock]]<br>[[Al-Aqsa Mosque]]<br>[[Temple | |landmark = [[Dome of the Rock]]<br>[[Al-Aqsa Mosque]]<br>[[Solomon's Temple]]<br>[[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]]<br>[[Jerusalem Tower]] | ||
|flags = Jerusalem crosses | |flags = Jerusalem crosses | ||
|targets = [[Talal]]<br>[[Majd Addin]]<br>[[Robert de | |targets = [[Apprentice of the Tower]]<br>[[Master of the Tower]]<br>[[Talal]]<br>[[Majd Addin]]<br>[[Robert de Sablé]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Jerusalem''' is a city in [[Asia|Western Asia]] located in the hills of the {{Wiki|Judean Mountains}} between the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and the {{Wiki|Dead Sea}}. | '''Jerusalem''' is a city in [[Asia|Western Asia]] located in the hills of the {{Wiki|Judean Mountains}} between the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and the {{Wiki|Dead Sea}}. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
The city was founded sometime in the 19th century BCE. After being conquered several times, it was finally possessed by King [[David]]. David's successor, [[Solomon]], built a [[Solomon's Temple|temple]] which guarded the [[Ark of the Covenant]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref> | The city was founded sometime in the 19th century BCE. After being conquered several times, it was finally possessed by King [[David]]. David's successor, [[Solomon]], built a [[Solomon's Temple|temple]] which guarded the [[Ark of the Covenant]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref> | ||
In 33 CE, after attracting the unwanted attention of the [[Order of the Ancients]] for being in possession of a Shroud of Eden, the [[Judaism|Jewish]] preacher [[Jesus of Nazareth]] was tortured and crucified in Jerusalem. The Order then acquired the Shroud, but mere days later Jesus' disciples repossessed the Shroud and attempted to resurrect him to no avail.<ref name="Glyphs">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' – [[Glyphs|Glyph]] #7: "Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find"</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' – [[Database: Messiah]]</ref> | In 33 CE, after attracting the unwanted attention of the [[Order of the Ancients]] for being in possession of a [[Shrouds of Eden|Shroud of Eden]], the [[Judaism|Jewish]] preacher [[Jesus of Nazareth]] was tortured and crucified in Jerusalem. The Order then acquired the Shroud, but mere days later Jesus' disciples repossessed the Shroud and attempted to resurrect him, to no avail.<ref name="Glyphs">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' – [[Glyphs|Glyph]] #7: "Keep On Seeking, And You Will Find"</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' – [[Database: Messiah]]</ref> | ||
===Middle Ages=== | ===Middle Ages=== | ||
====Muslim conquest==== | ====Muslim conquest==== | ||
From at least 638 CE, Jerusalem has been occupied by numerous [[Islam|Muslim]] dynasties, including the {{Wiki|Rashidun Caliphate}}, the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] and [[Fatimid Caliphate]].<ref>{{WP|Jerusalem}}</ref> In 1096, [[Papacy|Pope]] [[Urban II]] initiated the [[First Crusade]] with the objective of recovering what is known as the Holy Land from Muslim rule, including Jerusalem.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: A Walk Through History (1189-1868)]]''</ref> Jerusalem was [[Siege of Jerusalem (1099)|besieged]] by [[Crusaders]] in 1099, ending the 450-year-old Muslim rule and | From at least 638 CE, Jerusalem has been occupied by numerous [[Islam|Muslim]] dynasties, including the {{Wiki|Rashidun Caliphate}}, the [[Umayyad Caliphate]] and [[Fatimid Caliphate]].<ref>{{WP|Jerusalem}}</ref> In 1096, [[Papacy|Pope]] [[Urban II]] initiated the [[First Crusade]] with the objective of recovering what is known as the Holy Land from Muslim rule, including Jerusalem.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: A Walk Through History (1189-1868)]]''</ref> Jerusalem was [[Siege of Jerusalem (1099)|besieged]] by [[Crusaders]] in 1099, ending the 450-year-old Muslim rule and leading to the establishment of the [[Kingdom of Jerusalem]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]''</ref> | ||
====Crusades==== | ====Crusades==== | ||
In the early 12th century, the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Bernard de Clairvaux]] sent nine trusted men to find Solomon's Temple beneath Jerusalem. When these men returned nine years later, he reinvented the Order into a knightly organization. This organization became known as the Knights Templar, allowing the Templars to become public for the first time since their Order's founding.<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref> | In the early 12th century, the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Bernard de Clairvaux]] sent nine trusted men to find Solomon's Temple beneath Jerusalem. When these men returned nine years later, he reinvented the Order into a knightly organization. This organization became known as the Knights Templar, allowing the Templars to become public for the first time since their Order's founding.<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' – [[Abstergo Files]]: "File.0.02\Hst_Beginning"</ref> | ||
Jerusalem was the largest city in the [[Kingdom|Holy Land]] during the 12th century and housed exquisite mosques and cathedrals, which denoted the contrast of the cultures present. The city was under the control of Sultan [[Saladin]] and his [[Saracens|Saracen]] army during the [[Third Crusade]], while the [[Crusaders]] under King [[Richard I of England|Richard I]] were vying heavily to take control of the holy city.<ref name="AC" /> | Jerusalem was the largest city in the [[Kingdom|Holy Land]] during the 12th century and housed exquisite mosques and cathedrals, which denoted the contrast of the cultures present. The city was under the control of Sultan [[Saladin]] and his [[Saracens|Saracen]] army during the [[Third Crusade]], while the [[Crusaders]] under King [[Richard I of England|Richard I]] were vying heavily to take control of the holy city.<ref name="AC" /> | ||
In 1190, the Templars led by Lord [[Basilisk]] maintained a strong presence in Jersualem, from where they searched for the [[Adha|Chalice]], a powerful artifact rumored to be hidden in the [[Temple of Sand]]. The [[Master Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], tasked with finding the Chalice by [[Al Mualim]], traveled to Jerusalem after learning that Basilisk was in possession of one of the Temple's keys, and met with the [[Rafiq]] of the local [[Assassin bureau]], [[Kadar]], who informed him that Basilisk would be attending a party hosted by the king. After [[Interrogation|interrogating]] a man named [[Ayman]], Altaïr discovered that the party would be taking place at [[Lacoeur's villa]] and proceeded to infiltrate the estate, where he confronted Basilisk. Besting the [[Templar leader]] in combat, Altaïr acquired his key and made his escape as the villa's [[Soldier|guards]] were alerted to his presence.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' – [[The Hidden Party]]</ref> | |||
[[File:ACAC - Master of the Tower.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr facing the Master of the Tower]] | |||
Before Altaïr could resume his [[quest for the Chalice]], he was forced to deal with a group of Templars who had attacked and mortally wounded the Assassin [[Hazad]], stealing his [[map]] that led to the Temple of Sand. Chasing the Templars through Jerusalem, Altaïr eventually confronted them at their [[Jerusalem Tower|tower headquarters]], where he defeated the group's [[Master of the Tower|leader]] and his [[Apprentice of the Tower|apprentice]], reclaiming the stolen map.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' – [[Kill the Killers]]</ref> | |||
Following his journey to the Temple of Sand and the revelation that the Chalice was in fact a woman named [[Adha]], Altaïr raced back to Jerusalem to find her before the Templars. Although he was too late to prevent his enemies from capturing Adha at [[Don Carvaggio's villa]], he soon managed to rescue her after chasing the Templars across the city.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' – [[The Running Wind]]</ref> The pair then attempted to flee through the sewers, but during their escape, Adha informed Altaïr that the Templars had convinced Al Mualim's second-in-command, [[Harash]], to defect to their cause. Troubled by the news, Altaïr set off to [[Alep]] to deal with Harash, leaving Adha alone in Jerusalem;<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' – [[The Chalice]]</ref> this led to her re-capture by the Templars, who took her to [[Tyre]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' – [[Snake Heart]]</ref> | |||
By 1191, both the Assassins and Templars had learned that an [[Apple of Eden 2|Apple of Eden]] was hidden within a [[Jerusalem Vault|vault]] beneath the remains of Solomon's Temple and aimed to retrieve the artifact. A group of Templars led by their [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]] [[Robert de Sablé]] and a team of Assassins composed of Altaïr and the brothers [[Malik Al-Sayf|Malik]] and [[Kadar Al-Sayf]] infiltrated the vault at the same time,<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Acquisition]]</ref> and the resulting conflict led to Kadar's death and the severe wounding of Malik's arm. However, Malik was able to retrieve the Apple and bring it back to the [[Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins|Levantine Assassins]]' headquarters in [[Masyaf]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Failure]]</ref> | |||
[[File:Robert Assassination I 5.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr waiting to assassinate Robert at Majd Addin's funeral]] | |||
Throughout the rest of the year, in order to redeem himself for his failure at Solomon's Temple,<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Knowledge (Masun)]]</ref> Altaïr [[Hunt for the Nine|hunted down]] and assassinated [[Levantine Rite of the Templar Order|several clandestine Templars]] who worked inside Jerusalem.<ref name="AC" /> He did so with the help of Malik, who had become the Rafiq of the city's Assassin bureau. Among these Templars was [[Talal]], a [[Slavery|slave]] trader,<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Assassination (Talal)]]</ref> and [[Majd Addin]], the regent of Jerusalem in Saladin's absence.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Assassination (Majd Addin)]]</ref> Ultimately, Altaïr also attempted to take the life of Robert de Sablé during Majd Addin's funeral; however, he failed due to Robert having taken precautions and disguising his fellow Templar [[Maria Thorpe]] as himself to act as a decoy.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Assassination (Robert de Sablé)]]</ref> | |||
When Altaïr, who by 1257 had become the [[Mentor]] of the Levantine Assassins, dispersed the Assassin Order from Masyaf,<ref name="ACTSC">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]''</ref> they shifted their primary presence in the [[Levant]] to Jerusalem, working in secret.<ref name="ACRM">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' – [[Mediterranean Defense]]</ref> | When Altaïr, who by 1257 had become the [[Mentor]] of the Levantine Assassins, dispersed the Assassin Order from Masyaf,<ref name="ACTSC">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]''</ref> they shifted their primary presence in the [[Levant]] to Jerusalem, working in secret.<ref name="ACRM">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' – [[Mediterranean Defense]]</ref> | ||
| Line 37: | Line 45: | ||
By the time that the [[Renaissance]] had begun spreading throughout Europe, the [[Mamluks]] ruled over Jerusalem. Unlike the Saracens, the Mamluks directly opposed the Assassins and attempted to erase their presence from within the city.<ref name="ACRM"/> | By the time that the [[Renaissance]] had begun spreading throughout Europe, the [[Mamluks]] ruled over Jerusalem. Unlike the Saracens, the Mamluks directly opposed the Assassins and attempted to erase their presence from within the city.<ref name="ACRM"/> | ||
In 1511, the Mamluks arrested the Assassins' [[Assassin leader|leader]] [[Mujir]] in order to intimidate them, but their attempt failed when | In 1511, the Mamluks arrested the Levantine Assassins' [[Assassin leader|leader]] [[Mujir]] in order to intimidate them, but their attempt failed when Mujir was rescued by a group of [[Ottoman Brotherhood of Assassins|Ottoman Assassins]] sent from Constantinople by [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], the Mentor of the [[Italian Brotherhood of Assassins|Italian Brotherhood]]. With help from the Ottoman Assassins, Jerusalem eventually came under strong Assassin control and flourished due to it.<ref name="ACRM"/> | ||
===Modern times=== | ===Modern times=== | ||
In 2012, part of the city functioned as a simulated training location for the [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations|second stage]] of the [[Animi Training Program]], included within a [[Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack|system update]]. The simulation depicted the [[Dome of the Rock]] and its surrounding area, which, aside from the occasional building, largely consisted of tents and market stalls that sold various goods and produce. Decorative archways were a common sight. Jerusalem, like most of the simulated locations in the first and second stage, had two aesthetic variations. As such, it could be utilized during the day or at dusk.<ref name="AC" /> | In 2012, part of the city functioned as a simulated training location for the [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations|second stage]] of the [[Animi Training Program]], included within a [[Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack|system update]]. The simulation depicted the [[Dome of the Rock]] and its surrounding area, which, aside from the occasional building, largely consisted of tents and market stalls that sold various goods and produce. Decorative archways were a common sight. Jerusalem, like most of the simulated locations in the first and second stage, had two aesthetic variations. As such, it could be utilized during the day or at dusk.<ref name="AC" /> | ||
In 2020, a tablet was unearthed in Jerusalem bearing [[Isu script]]. A picture of the stone was sent to the | In 2020, a tablet was unearthed in Jerusalem bearing [[Isu script]]. A picture of the stone was sent to the Assassin [[Antony Henry]], a linguist who had discovered a way to translate one of the Isu dialects into English. With this knowledge, he translated the text and found that it was a mournful Isu poem, before sending the information in a digital folder to [[Layla Hassan]] as she relived the [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]] of the [[Vikings|Viking]] [[Eivor Varinsdottir]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' – [[Layla Hassan's personal files#SecureShare|SecureShare: "PRE_trslt_Jerusalem.odt <v. 1 by ahenry>"]]</ref> | ||
==Districts== | ==Districts== | ||
===Poor District=== | ===Poor District=== | ||
[[File:Majd Assassination 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Majd Addin presiding over an execution in the Poor District]] | |||
The Poor District of Jerusalem was the smallest of the city, with a large amount of alleyways and low buildings. Guards were fairly spread across the area, while the traffic moving through the streets was relatively clear.<ref name="AC"/> | The Poor District of Jerusalem was the smallest of the city, with a large amount of alleyways and low buildings. Guards were fairly spread across the area, while the traffic moving through the streets was relatively clear.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
The main features of the district included a mosque, a southernmost church and a synagogue. These were all places that were generally alive with activity and provided a good source for information, which was valuable for Altaïr during his assassination tasks.<ref name="AC"/> | The main features of the district included a mosque, a southernmost church, and a synagogue. These were all places that were generally alive with activity and provided a good source for information, which was valuable for Altaïr during his assassination tasks.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
It was in this district that Altaïr tracked his target, Majd Addin, to an execution that he was performing in its eastern side. This section contained a platform that was set against the rocky outcrop and walls of the Dome of the Rock, along with several high buildings that overlooked the area.<ref name="AC"/> | It was in this district that Altaïr tracked his target, Majd Addin, to an execution that he was performing in its eastern side. This section contained a platform that was set against the rocky outcrop and walls of the [[Dome of the Rock]], along with several high buildings that overlooked the area.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
===Middle District=== | ===Middle District=== | ||
[[File:AC1 Church of the Holy Sepulchre.png|thumb|250px|The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Middle District]] | |||
The Middle District was a medium-sized district that was fairly spaced out with guards and civilians. The most significant landmarks in the district included the hospital and guard tower, situated near to the edge of the district, and the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]], located in the bottom half of the district.<ref name="AC"/> | The Middle District was a medium-sized district that was fairly spaced out with guards and civilians. The most significant landmarks in the district included the hospital and guard tower, situated near to the edge of the district, and the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]], located in the bottom half of the district.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
Founded around 326 CE by Queen Helena, the church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during the Crusaders' occupation of Jerusalem in the 12th century. This district was also were the funeral of Majd Addin was held, in an area just behind the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, Altaïr attempted the eliminate the Grand Master of the Templar Order, Robert de | Founded around 326 CE by Queen Helena, the church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during the Crusaders' occupation of Jerusalem in the 12th century. This district was also were the funeral of Majd Addin was held, in an area just behind the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, Altaïr attempted the eliminate the Grand Master of the Templar Order, Robert de Sablé, but instead discovered he had been replaced by Maria Thorpe as a decoy.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
===Rich District=== | ===Rich District=== | ||
The Rich District was easily the largest of the districts, dominating the city. Given its size, guards and civilians populated much of the area. The buildings were relatively high, with a number of climbable viewpoints. | The Rich District was easily the largest of the districts, dominating the city. Given its size, guards and civilians populated much of the area. The buildings were relatively high, with a number of climbable viewpoints.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
Several notable landmarks included the district's mosque, the markets that lined the border between the Jewish and Muslim quarters of the district, and [[Saint Anne's Church]]. However, the most prominent landmark in the district – and probably the entire city – was the Dome of the Rock. | [[File:Templemountmain2.png|thumb|250px|left|The Temple Mount in the Rich District]] | ||
Several notable landmarks included the district's mosque, the markets that lined the border between the Jewish and Muslim quarters of the district, and [[Saint Anne's Church]]. However, the most prominent landmark in the district – and probably the entire city – was the Dome of the Rock.<ref name="AC"/> | |||
Completed in 691 CE, the Dome of the Rock was situated atop the [[Temple Mount]], and was the one of the holiest sites in the [[Islam]]ic faith. Underneath the Temple Mount was the ancient temple of King Solomon, where the Ark of the Covenant was located, along with the Apple of Eden recovered by Altaïr and the brothers Malik and Kadar Al-Sayf.<ref name="AC"/> | Completed in 691 CE, the Dome of the Rock was situated atop the [[Temple Mount]], and was the one of the holiest sites in the [[Islam]]ic faith. Underneath the Temple Mount was the ancient temple of King Solomon, where the Ark of the Covenant was located, along with the Apple of Eden recovered by Altaïr and the brothers Malik and Kadar Al-Sayf.<ref name="AC"/> | ||
| Line 68: | Line 79: | ||
AC1 Jerusalem - Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of Jerusalem | AC1 Jerusalem - Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of Jerusalem | ||
A Public Execution.jpg|Concept art of Jerusalem's poor district | A Public Execution.jpg|Concept art of Jerusalem's poor district | ||
AC1 Jerusalem Shop - Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of the Assassins' | AC1 Jerusalem Shop - Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of the Assassins' bureau in Jerusalem | ||
AC1 Jerusalem Vendor - Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of a vendor in Jerusalem | AC1 Jerusalem Vendor - Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of a vendor in Jerusalem | ||
AC1 Map Jerusalem Old.png|A map of Jerusalem | AC1 Map Jerusalem Old.png|A map of Jerusalem | ||
Solomonjerusalemview.png|Altaïr looking out over the city from Solomon's Temple | Solomonjerusalemview.png|Altaïr looking out over the city from Solomon's Temple | ||
AC1 Jerusalem Kingdom.png|A view of the city and a [[Flag|Jerusalem cross]] | |||
ACR MTMP - Jerusalem.jpg|A view of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background | ACR MTMP - Jerusalem.jpg|A view of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| Line 77: | Line 89: | ||
==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' {{1st}} | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'' | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' {{Io|painting}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' {{Io|painting}} | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]'' | *''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]'' | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
| Line 88: | Line 100: | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | {{Scroll box|content={{Reflist}}}} | ||
{{ACAC}} | {{ACAC}} | ||
{{AC}} | {{AC}} | ||
Revision as of 19:14, 1 June 2025
Jerusalem is a city in Western Asia located in the hills of the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.
History
Antiquity
The city was founded sometime in the 19th century BCE. After being conquered several times, it was finally possessed by King David. David's successor, Solomon, built a temple which guarded the Ark of the Covenant.[1]
In 33 CE, after attracting the unwanted attention of the Order of the Ancients for being in possession of a Shroud of Eden, the Jewish preacher Jesus of Nazareth was tortured and crucified in Jerusalem. The Order then acquired the Shroud, but mere days later Jesus' disciples repossessed the Shroud and attempted to resurrect him, to no avail.[2][3]
Middle Ages
Muslim conquest
From at least 638 CE, Jerusalem has been occupied by numerous Muslim dynasties, including the Rashidun Caliphate, the Umayyad Caliphate and Fatimid Caliphate.[4] In 1096, Pope Urban II initiated the First Crusade with the objective of recovering what is known as the Holy Land from Muslim rule, including Jerusalem.[5] Jerusalem was besieged by Crusaders in 1099, ending the 450-year-old Muslim rule and leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.[6]
Crusades
In the early 12th century, the Templar Bernard de Clairvaux sent nine trusted men to find Solomon's Temple beneath Jerusalem. When these men returned nine years later, he reinvented the Order into a knightly organization. This organization became known as the Knights Templar, allowing the Templars to become public for the first time since their Order's founding.[7]
Jerusalem was the largest city in the Holy Land during the 12th century and housed exquisite mosques and cathedrals, which denoted the contrast of the cultures present. The city was under the control of Sultan Saladin and his Saracen army during the Third Crusade, while the Crusaders under King Richard I were vying heavily to take control of the holy city.[1]
In 1190, the Templars led by Lord Basilisk maintained a strong presence in Jersualem, from where they searched for the Chalice, a powerful artifact rumored to be hidden in the Temple of Sand. The Master Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, tasked with finding the Chalice by Al Mualim, traveled to Jerusalem after learning that Basilisk was in possession of one of the Temple's keys, and met with the Rafiq of the local Assassin bureau, Kadar, who informed him that Basilisk would be attending a party hosted by the king. After interrogating a man named Ayman, Altaïr discovered that the party would be taking place at Lacoeur's villa and proceeded to infiltrate the estate, where he confronted Basilisk. Besting the Templar leader in combat, Altaïr acquired his key and made his escape as the villa's guards were alerted to his presence.[8]
Before Altaïr could resume his quest for the Chalice, he was forced to deal with a group of Templars who had attacked and mortally wounded the Assassin Hazad, stealing his map that led to the Temple of Sand. Chasing the Templars through Jerusalem, Altaïr eventually confronted them at their tower headquarters, where he defeated the group's leader and his apprentice, reclaiming the stolen map.[9]
Following his journey to the Temple of Sand and the revelation that the Chalice was in fact a woman named Adha, Altaïr raced back to Jerusalem to find her before the Templars. Although he was too late to prevent his enemies from capturing Adha at Don Carvaggio's villa, he soon managed to rescue her after chasing the Templars across the city.[10] The pair then attempted to flee through the sewers, but during their escape, Adha informed Altaïr that the Templars had convinced Al Mualim's second-in-command, Harash, to defect to their cause. Troubled by the news, Altaïr set off to Alep to deal with Harash, leaving Adha alone in Jerusalem;[11] this led to her re-capture by the Templars, who took her to Tyre.[12]
By 1191, both the Assassins and Templars had learned that an Apple of Eden was hidden within a vault beneath the remains of Solomon's Temple and aimed to retrieve the artifact. A group of Templars led by their Grand Master Robert de Sablé and a team of Assassins composed of Altaïr and the brothers Malik and Kadar Al-Sayf infiltrated the vault at the same time,[13] and the resulting conflict led to Kadar's death and the severe wounding of Malik's arm. However, Malik was able to retrieve the Apple and bring it back to the Levantine Assassins' headquarters in Masyaf.[14]
Throughout the rest of the year, in order to redeem himself for his failure at Solomon's Temple,[15] Altaïr hunted down and assassinated several clandestine Templars who worked inside Jerusalem.[1] He did so with the help of Malik, who had become the Rafiq of the city's Assassin bureau. Among these Templars was Talal, a slave trader,[16] and Majd Addin, the regent of Jerusalem in Saladin's absence.[17] Ultimately, Altaïr also attempted to take the life of Robert de Sablé during Majd Addin's funeral; however, he failed due to Robert having taken precautions and disguising his fellow Templar Maria Thorpe as himself to act as a decoy.[18]
When Altaïr, who by 1257 had become the Mentor of the Levantine Assassins, dispersed the Assassin Order from Masyaf,[19] they shifted their primary presence in the Levant to Jerusalem, working in secret.[20]
Renaissance
By the time that the Renaissance had begun spreading throughout Europe, the Mamluks ruled over Jerusalem. Unlike the Saracens, the Mamluks directly opposed the Assassins and attempted to erase their presence from within the city.[20]
In 1511, the Mamluks arrested the Levantine Assassins' leader Mujir in order to intimidate them, but their attempt failed when Mujir was rescued by a group of Ottoman Assassins sent from Constantinople by Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the Mentor of the Italian Brotherhood. With help from the Ottoman Assassins, Jerusalem eventually came under strong Assassin control and flourished due to it.[20]
Modern times
In 2012, part of the city functioned as a simulated training location for the second stage of the Animi Training Program, included within a system update. The simulation depicted the Dome of the Rock and its surrounding area, which, aside from the occasional building, largely consisted of tents and market stalls that sold various goods and produce. Decorative archways were a common sight. Jerusalem, like most of the simulated locations in the first and second stage, had two aesthetic variations. As such, it could be utilized during the day or at dusk.[1]
In 2020, a tablet was unearthed in Jerusalem bearing Isu script. A picture of the stone was sent to the Assassin Antony Henry, a linguist who had discovered a way to translate one of the Isu dialects into English. With this knowledge, he translated the text and found that it was a mournful Isu poem, before sending the information in a digital folder to Layla Hassan as she relived the genetic memories of the Viking Eivor Varinsdottir.[21]
Districts
Poor District
The Poor District of Jerusalem was the smallest of the city, with a large amount of alleyways and low buildings. Guards were fairly spread across the area, while the traffic moving through the streets was relatively clear.[1]
The main features of the district included a mosque, a southernmost church, and a synagogue. These were all places that were generally alive with activity and provided a good source for information, which was valuable for Altaïr during his assassination tasks.[1]
It was in this district that Altaïr tracked his target, Majd Addin, to an execution that he was performing in its eastern side. This section contained a platform that was set against the rocky outcrop and walls of the Dome of the Rock, along with several high buildings that overlooked the area.[1]
Middle District
The Middle District was a medium-sized district that was fairly spaced out with guards and civilians. The most significant landmarks in the district included the hospital and guard tower, situated near to the edge of the district, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, located in the bottom half of the district.[1]
Founded around 326 CE by Queen Helena, the church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during the Crusaders' occupation of Jerusalem in the 12th century. This district was also were the funeral of Majd Addin was held, in an area just behind the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Here, Altaïr attempted the eliminate the Grand Master of the Templar Order, Robert de Sablé, but instead discovered he had been replaced by Maria Thorpe as a decoy.[1]
Rich District
The Rich District was easily the largest of the districts, dominating the city. Given its size, guards and civilians populated much of the area. The buildings were relatively high, with a number of climbable viewpoints.[1]
Several notable landmarks included the district's mosque, the markets that lined the border between the Jewish and Muslim quarters of the district, and Saint Anne's Church. However, the most prominent landmark in the district – and probably the entire city – was the Dome of the Rock.[1]
Completed in 691 CE, the Dome of the Rock was situated atop the Temple Mount, and was the one of the holiest sites in the Islamic faith. Underneath the Temple Mount was the ancient temple of King Solomon, where the Ark of the Covenant was located, along with the Apple of Eden recovered by Altaïr and the brothers Malik and Kadar Al-Sayf.[1]
Gallery
-
Concept art of Jerusalem -
Concept art of Jerusalem's poor district -
Concept art of the Assassins' bureau in Jerusalem -
Concept art of a vendor in Jerusalem -
A map of Jerusalem -
Altaïr looking out over the city from Solomon's Temple -
A view of the city and a Jerusalem cross -
A view of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock in the background
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles
- Assassin's Creed II (painting only)
- Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade
- Assassin's Creed: Initiates (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Revelations (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed film (painting only)
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (mentioned only)
- Shared History (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Mirage (mentioned only)
References
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
de:Jerusalem es:Jerusalén fr:Jérusalem it:Gerusalemme pl:Jerozolima pt-br:Jerusalém ru:Иерусалим uk:Єрусалим zh:耶路撒冷