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|locations = [[Turkey]]<br>[[Masyaf]] {{c|c. 1511}}
|locations = [[Turkey]]<br>[[Masyaf]] {{c|c. 1511}}
|formed =  
|formed =  
|active = c. 9th century<ref name="ACTGC">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Golden City]]''</ref> – 1512<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>
|active = c. 9th century<ref name="ACTGC">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Golden City]]''</ref> – 1512<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' – {{Cite|10 March 2024}}</ref>
}}
}}
The '''Byzantine Rite of the Templar Order''' was the branch of the [[Templars|Templar Order]] operating in and around the territories of the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] and then the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Empires]] during the [[Middle Ages]].
The '''Byzantine Rite of the Templar Order''' was the branch of the [[Templars|Templar Order]] operating in and around the territories of the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] and then the [[Ottoman Empire]]s during the [[Middle Ages]].


In the 9th century, the Templars' predecessors, the '''[[Order of the Ancients]]''', formed an alliance with the Byzantine Emperor [[Basil I]], whom they influenced to plot an assassination against his own son [[Leo VI the Wise|Leo]]. However, the plot was thwarted by the [[Assassins|Hidden Ones]] [[Hytham]] and [[Basim Ibn Ishaq]] and members of the [[Varangian]] guard, who killed the Order's leader [[Isaac]] and drove the Ancients out of [[Constantinople]].
In the 9th century, the Templars' predecessors, the '''[[Order of the Ancients]]''', formed an alliance with the Byzantine Emperor [[Basil I]], whom they influenced to plot an assassination against his own son [[Leo VI the Wise|Leo]]. However, the plot was thwarted by the [[Assassins|Hidden Ones]] [[Hytham]] and [[Basim Ibn Ishaq]] and members of the [[Varangian]] guard, who killed the Order's leader [[Isaac]] and drove the Ancients out of [[Constantinople]].
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In the early 16th century, following the collapse of the [[Roman Rite of the Templar Order|Roman Rite]], the Byzantine Templars became the foremost Templar rite in [[Europe]] and attempted to reclaim control of Constantinople, entering a long-standing conflict with the local [[Ottoman Brotherhood of Assassins|Ottoman Assassins]]. Under the leadership of Prince [[Ahmet]], heir apparent to the Ottoman throne, they also searched for the [[Masyaf Key|keys]] to the legendary [[Library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|library]] of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], believing that the library contained information on the location of the [[Grand Temple]], which would allow them to further the Templar [[New World Order|cause]].
In the early 16th century, following the collapse of the [[Roman Rite of the Templar Order|Roman Rite]], the Byzantine Templars became the foremost Templar rite in [[Europe]] and attempted to reclaim control of Constantinople, entering a long-standing conflict with the local [[Ottoman Brotherhood of Assassins|Ottoman Assassins]]. Under the leadership of Prince [[Ahmet]], heir apparent to the Ottoman throne, they also searched for the [[Masyaf Key|keys]] to the legendary [[Library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|library]] of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], believing that the library contained information on the location of the [[Grand Temple]], which would allow them to further the Templar [[New World Order|cause]].


From 1511 to 1512, the Byzantine Templars were systematically hunted down by [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], [[Mentor]] of the [[Italian Brotherhood of Assassins|Italian Assassins]], who had also traveled to Constantinople in search of the Masyaf Keys. Following the deaths of most of its high-ranking members, the Byzantine Rite was seemingly wiped out and the Templars were driven out of Constantinople once again.
From 1511 to 1512, the Byzantine Templars were systematically hunted down by the [[Italian Brotherhood of Assassins|Italian Assassins]]' [[Mentor]] [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]], who had also traveled to Constantinople in search of the Masyaf Keys. Following the deaths of most of its high-ranking members, the Byzantine Rite was seemingly wiped out and the Templars were driven out of Constantinople once again.


==History==
==History==
 
===Alliance with Emperor Basil===
=== Alliance with Emperor Basil ===
In the 9th century, the [[Order of the Ancients]] led by [[Isaac]] infiltrated [[Constantinople]] and formed an alliance with Emperor [[Basil I]], helping him gain sole control of the city. They also convinced him to plot the assassination of his young son [[Leo VI the Wise|Leo]] by telling him that Leo was the illegitimate son of former co-emperor [[Michael III]]. In 867, the Order was enlisted to kill Leo and released two [[Snake|vipers]] into his room in the palace's children's wing. However, the [[Assassins|Hidden One]] [[Hytham]] thwarted their plot while operating undercover as Leo's [[Varangian|Varangian guard]]. Plotting another attempt, Isaac communicated with their inside man [[Theodore]], Leo's tutor, to aid on an assault on the emperor's palace. However, he received a bribe from Leo's nurse [[Anna (nurse)|Anna]] and realized she knew too much. Thus, he ordered his fellow Ancients to kill both Leo and Anna during the attack.<ref name="ACTGC" />
In the 9th century, the [[Order of the Ancients]] led by [[Isaac]] infiltrated [[Constantinople]] and formed an alliance with Emperor [[Basil I]], helping him gain sole control of the city. They also convinced him to plot the assassination of his young son [[Leo VI the Wise|Leo]] by telling him that Leo was the illegitimate son of former co-emperor [[Michael III]]. In 867, the Order was enlisted to kill Leo and released two [[snake|vipers]] into his room in the palace's children's wing. However, the [[Assassins|Hidden One]] [[Hytham]] thwarted their plot while operating undercover as Leo's [[Varangian|Varangian guard]]. Plotting another attempt, Isaac communicated with their inside man [[Theodore]], Leo's tutor, to aid on an assault on the emperor's palace. However, he received a bribe from Leo's nurse [[Anna (nurse)|Anna]] and realized she knew too much. Thus, he ordered his fellow Ancients to kill both Leo and Anna during the attack.<ref name="ACTGC" />


Realizing Hytham to be another issue, the Order paid two Varangian guards, [[Steros]] and an associate, to kill Hytham in his sleep. However, the Hidden One survived the attack and killed one of the guards in process while the other fled. The next night, the Order attacked the children's wing while many of the guards were [[poison]]ed thanks to Theodore. However, the Varangian guard leader [[Thyra (Eagle Clan)|Thyra]] of the [[Eagle Clan]], Hytham and his mentor [[Basim Ibn Ishaq]] held off the assault and saved Leo.<ref name="ACTGC" />
Realizing Hytham to be another issue, the Order paid two Varangian guards, [[Steros]] and an associate, to kill Hytham in his sleep. However, the Hidden One survived the attack and killed one of the guards in process while the other fled. The next night, the Order attacked the children's wing while many of the guards were [[poison]]ed thanks to Theodore. However, the Varangian guard leader [[Thyra (Eagle Clan)|Thyra]] of the [[Eagle Clan]], Hytham and his mentor [[Basim Ibn Ishaq]] held off the assault and saved Leo.<ref name="ACTGC" />
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===Establishment of the Byzantine Rite===
===Establishment of the Byzantine Rite===
It is unknown at which precise moment the Byzantine Rite was formed, and its relation to the Byzantine Empire is unclear as well. The last emperor, [[Constantine XI Palaiologos|Constantine XI]], ordered the capture and execution of [[Assassins]] throughout his domains, but it is unknown if he was affiliated with or influenced by the Templars.<ref name="ACR" />
It is unknown at which precise moment the Byzantine Rite was formed, and its relation to the Byzantine Empire is unclear as well. The last emperor, [[Constantine XI Palaiologos|Constantine XI]], ordered the capture and execution of [[Assassins]] throughout his domains, but it is unknown if he was affiliated with or influenced by the Templars.<ref name="ACR" />
[[File:Cappadocia-inside.png|left|thumb|250px|Derinkuyu, the hideout of the Byzantine Templars]]
[[File:Cappadocia-inside.png|left|thumb|250px|Derinkuyu, the hideout of the Byzantine Templars]]
During the early 16th century, the Byzantine Rite became the foremost Templar rite in [[Europe]], since the [[Roman Rite of the Templar Order|Roman Rite]] had been defeated by the [[Italian Brotherhood of Assassins|Italian Assassins]]. The Byzantine Templars set up their primary headquarters at the underground city of [[Derinkuyu]] in [[Cappadocia]]; their ultimate aim was to uproot the [[Ottoman Empire]] and retake control of their former capital, [[Constantinople]], which the Ottomans had [[Fall of Constantinople|conquered]] in 1453. For a time, however, they remained relatively quiet.<ref name="ACR" />
During the early 16th century, the Byzantine Rite became the foremost Templar rite in [[Europe]], since the [[Roman Rite of the Templar Order|Roman Rite]] had been defeated by the [[Italian Brotherhood of Assassins|Italian Assassins]]. The Byzantine Templars set up their primary headquarters at the underground city of [[Derinkuyu]] in [[Cappadocia]]; their ultimate aim was to uproot the [[Ottoman Empire]] and retake control of their former capital of Constantinople, which the Ottomans had [[Fall of Constantinople|conquered]] in 1453. For a time, however, they remained relatively quiet.<ref name="ACR" />


===Search for the Masyaf Keys===
===Search for the Masyaf Keys===
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Following the [[Little Judgment Day|earthquake]] in Constantinople in 1509, Templars reappeared in the city under the Byzantine banner. Due to Sultan [[Bayezid II]]'s disappearance from the city following the earthquake, the Byzantine Templars could easily integrate into the city and start their plans for taking over the Ottoman Empire.<ref name="ACR" /> Initially led by [[Manuel Palaiologos]], Constantine XI's nephew and heir to the Byzantine throne, the Templars quickly caught the eye of Prince [[Ahmet]], Bayezid's son and favored successor. Ahmet joined the Order, and his youth and charisma allowed him to slip into the position of [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]] while Manuel was forced to become his second-in-command.<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]''</ref>
Following the [[Little Judgment Day|earthquake]] in Constantinople in 1509, Templars reappeared in the city under the Byzantine banner. Due to Sultan [[Bayezid II]]'s disappearance from the city following the earthquake, the Byzantine Templars could easily integrate into the city and start their plans for taking over the Ottoman Empire.<ref name="ACR" /> Initially led by [[Manuel Palaiologos]], Constantine XI's nephew and heir to the Byzantine throne, the Templars quickly caught the eye of Prince [[Ahmet]], Bayezid's son and favored successor. Ahmet joined the Order, and his youth and charisma allowed him to slip into the position of [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]] while Manuel was forced to become his second-in-command.<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]''</ref>


Earlier in 1495, the Templars had acquired ''[[The Secret Crusade]]'', a journal written by the Italian explorer and Assassin [[Niccolò Polo]], from the [[Spanish Inquisition]].<ref name="ACReb">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rebellion]]'' - ''[[The Ottoman Connection]]''</ref> From it, they learned about the [[Library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|library]] of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] in [[Masyaf]] and the [[Masyaf Keys|keys]] needed to open it. Believing that the library housed the necessary knowledge to locate the [[Grand Temple]], Ahmet placed Manuel in charge of an expedition to find the Masyaf Keys hidden across Constantinople, while Ahmet himself continued his plans to secure the Templars' power in the Ottoman Empire.<ref name="ACR" />
Earlier in 1495, the Templars had acquired ''[[The Secret Crusade]]'', a journal written by the Italian explorer and Assassin [[Niccolò Polo]], from the [[Spanish Inquisition]].<ref name="ACReb">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rebellion]] – [[The Ottoman Connection]]''</ref> From it, they learned about the [[Library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|library]] of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] in [[Masyaf]] and the [[Masyaf Keys|keys]] needed to open it. Believing that the library housed the necessary knowledge to locate the [[Grand Temple]], Ahmet placed Manuel in charge of an expedition to find the Masyaf Keys hidden across Constantinople, while Ahmet himself continued his plans to secure the Templars' power in the Ottoman Empire.<ref name="ACR" />


[[File:The Wounded Eagle 3.png|thumb|250px|Leandros giving instructions to the Templars]]By 1511, the Templars had managed to obtain one of the Masyaf Keys from underneath [[Topkapı Palace]], and had taken full occupation of Masyaf. Without the other keys in their possession, they resorted to digging their way into the library, with no success. That same year, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], the [[Mentor]] of the [[Italian Brotherhood of Assassins|Italian Assassins]], arrived in Masyaf, also seeking to access Altaïr's library. He was ambushed by Byzantine Templars led by [[Leandros]], who overpowered and captured him.<ref name="ACR" />
[[File:The Wounded Eagle 3.png|thumb|250px|Leandros giving instructions to the Templars]]By 1511, the Templars had managed to obtain one of the Masyaf Keys from underneath [[Topkapı Palace]], and had taken full occupation of Masyaf. Without the other keys in their possession, they resorted to digging their way into the library, with no success. That same year, the Italian Assassins' Mentor Ezio Auditore arrived in Masyaf, also seeking to access Altaïr's library. He was ambushed by Byzantine Templars led by [[Leandros]], who overpowered and captured him.<ref name="ACR" />


Ezio was subsequently led to Masyaf's watchtower, where he was to be hanged. At the very last moment, he fought back against Leandros, who was tying the noose around Ezio's neck. The Assassin threw the noose around Leandros' neck instead, and jumped down to a scaffolding below. With no sign left of Ezio in the thick snowstorm that was brewing, Leandros instead decided to focus on other matters and was about to leave on a horse cart. Ezio gave chase, and jumped to a rope hanging on Leandros' cart, eventually procuring his own cart to keep up with his pursuit.<ref name="ACR" />
Ezio was subsequently led to Masyaf's watchtower, where he was to be hanged. At the very last moment, he fought back against Leandros, who was tying the noose around Ezio's neck. The Assassin threw the noose around Leandros' neck instead, and jumped down to a scaffolding below. With no sign left of Ezio in the thick snowstorm that was brewing, Leandros instead decided to focus on other matters and was about to leave on a horse cart. Ezio gave chase, and jumped to a rope hanging on Leandros' cart, eventually procuring his own cart to keep up with his pursuit.<ref name="ACR" />
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In Constantinople, the Templars were still ever present, engaging in heavy combat with the [[Ottoman Brotherhood of Assassins|Ottoman Assassins]], occupying numerous [[Assassin Dens]] throughout the city and searching for the secret locations in the city leading to the Masyaf Keys. The Templars discovered that two of the Masyaf Keys were located in the [[Yerebatan Cistern]] and the [[Forum of the Ox]], but Ezio recovered the artifacts before the Templars could. He also retrieved the remaining two keys that the Templars had been unable to find.<ref name="ACR" />
In Constantinople, the Templars were still ever present, engaging in heavy combat with the [[Ottoman Brotherhood of Assassins|Ottoman Assassins]], occupying numerous [[Assassin Dens]] throughout the city and searching for the secret locations in the city leading to the Masyaf Keys. The Templars discovered that two of the Masyaf Keys were located in the [[Yerebatan Cistern]] and the [[Forum of the Ox]], but Ezio recovered the artifacts before the Templars could. He also retrieved the remaining two keys that the Templars had been unable to find.<ref name="ACR" />


During this time, Ahmet personally devised a plan to have his nephew [[Suleiman I|Prince Suleiman]] kidnapped at a feast in the Topkapı Palace, allowing Ahmet to "rescue" him and gain the Ottoman citizens' favor over his brother [[Selim I|Selim]] for the Ottoman throne. However, [[Yusuf Tazim]] and the Ottoman Assassins learned of the Templars' plan and plotted to stop their plan. With the help of Ezio, the Assassins—dressed as Italian minstrels—found and killed all of the Templars hidden amongst the party goers. Ahmet, whose Templar affiliation remained a secret, instead accused [[Tarik Barleti]], the captain of the [[Janissaries]], of being unable to stop the 'attack' of the Italian minstrels.<ref name="ACR" />
During this time, Ahmet personally devised a plan to have his nephew [[Suleiman I|Prince Suleiman]] kidnapped at a feast in the Topkapı Palace, allowing Ahmet to "rescue" him and gain the Ottoman citizens' favor over his brother [[Selim I|Selim]] for the Ottoman throne. However, [[Yusuf Tazim]] and the Ottoman Assassins learned of the Templars' plan and plotted to stop their plan. With the help of Ezio, the Assassins—dressed as Italian minstrels—found and killed all of the Templars hidden amongst the party goers. Ahmet, whose Templar affiliation remained a secret, instead accused [[Tarik Barleti]], the captain of the [[Janissary|Janissaries]], of being unable to stop the 'attack' of the Italian minstrels.<ref name="ACR" />
 
[[File:TAG 1.png|thumb|250px|Manuel and Shahkulu meeting with Tarik to purchase weapons]]
[[File:TAG 1.png|thumb|250px|Manuel and Shahkulu meeting with Tarik to purchase weapons]]
Later, Manuel journeyed to Constantinople to purchase guns from the Tarik and the Janissaries for his forces in Cappadocia. Accompanied by the Turkmen renegade and Templar [[Shahkulu]], Manuel inspected the weapons in the city's [[Harbor of Theodosius|arsenal]] and successfully closed the deal before returning to Cappadocia. Tarik was assassinated by Ezio some time later on Suleiman's orders, after the two came to the wrong conclusion that he was in league with the Byzantines when in reality, he had been spying on the Templars in Cappadocia in order to thwart them. His death was quickly pinned by the Janissaries on Ahmet, damaging his public image.<ref name="ACR" />
Later, Manuel journeyed to Constantinople to purchase guns from the Tarik and the Janissaries for his forces in Cappadocia. Accompanied by the Turkmen renegade and Templar [[Shahkulu]], Manuel inspected the weapons in the city's [[Harbor of Theodosius|arsenal]] and successfully closed the deal before returning to Cappadocia. Tarik was assassinated by Ezio some time later on Suleiman's orders, after the two came to the wrong conclusion that he was in league with the Byzantines when in reality, he had been spying on the Templars in Cappadocia in order to thwart them. His death was quickly pinned by the Janissaries on Ahmet, damaging his public image.<ref name="ACR" />
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During his time in Constantinople, Ezio helped the Ottoman Assassins retake control of their dens from the Templars, tipping the scale of power in the city in the Assassins' favor once again. He also recruited a number of [[Assassin apprentice|Assassin apprentices]], whom he subsequently assisted in eliminating some of the remaining Templars in Constantinople, including [[Vali cel Tradat]], [[Cyril of Rhodes]], [[Damat Ali Pasha]], [[Georgios Kostas]], [[Lysistrata]], [[Mirela Djuric]], and [[Odai Dunqas]].<ref name="ACR" />
During his time in Constantinople, Ezio helped the Ottoman Assassins retake control of their dens from the Templars, tipping the scale of power in the city in the Assassins' favor once again. He also recruited a number of [[Assassin apprentice|Assassin apprentices]], whom he subsequently assisted in eliminating some of the remaining Templars in Constantinople, including [[Vali cel Tradat]], [[Cyril of Rhodes]], [[Damat Ali Pasha]], [[Georgios Kostas]], [[Lysistrata]], [[Mirela Djuric]], and [[Odai Dunqas]].<ref name="ACR" />


Around this time, the Assassins and Templars started to battle for control of [[Bursa]]. The Byzantine Templars kidnapped Bayezid II's third son [[Korkut]]a, though he was saved by Assassins sent by Ezio from Constantinople. The Templars eventually started to lose control of Bursa, and the Assassins moved in to take control.<ref name="Mediterranean Defense">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' - [[Mediterranean Defense]]</ref>
Around this time, the Assassins and Templars started to battle for control of [[Bursa]]. The Byzantine Templars kidnapped Bayezid II's third son [[Korkut]]a, though he was saved by Assassins sent by Ezio from Constantinople. The Templars eventually started to lose control of Bursa, and the Assassins moved in to take control.<ref name="Mediterranean Defense">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' – [[Mediterranean Defense]]</ref>


====Collapse of Cappadocia====
====Collapse of Cappadocia====
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In March 1512, Manuel and Shahkulu returned to Derinkuyu, where they continued building up the Byzantine army's strength while capturing and executing numerous Ottoman spies secretly sent by Tarik before his death. Unbeknownst to the Templars, Ezio had trailed them there and subsequently teamed up with one the Ottoman spies, [[Dilara]], to free her captured comrades.<ref name="ACR" />
In March 1512, Manuel and Shahkulu returned to Derinkuyu, where they continued building up the Byzantine army's strength while capturing and executing numerous Ottoman spies secretly sent by Tarik before his death. Unbeknownst to the Templars, Ezio had trailed them there and subsequently teamed up with one the Ottoman spies, [[Dilara]], to free her captured comrades.<ref name="ACR" />


With the help of the spies, Ezio located Shahkulu, who was in the process of carrying out several public executions. As the sadistic Shahkulu reveled in his murders, Ezio attempted to assassinate him from above, though much to his surprise, the Templar's armor procted him from the strike. Ultimately, Ezio killed Shahkulu after a duel, ending the torture and execution of Ottoman spies in the city.<ref name="ACR" />
With the help of the spies, Ezio located Shahkulu, who was in the process of carrying out several public executions. As the sadistic Shahkulu reveled in his murders, Ezio attempted to assassinate him from above, though much to his surprise, the Templar's armor protected him from the strike. Ultimately, Ezio killed Shahkulu after a duel, ending the torture and execution of Ottoman spies in the city.<ref name="ACR" />
 
[[File:Last Palaiologi 2.png|thumb|250px|Manuel and a Byzantine spotting Ezio]]
[[File:Last Palaiologi 2.png|thumb|250px|Manuel and a Byzantine spotting Ezio]]
Shifting his focus to Manuel, Ezio decided to lure him out of hiding by detonating the Templars' ammunition nad armaments storage. As the city quickly descended into chaos, Manuel tried to calm the citizens, only to run away at the sight of Ezio. Chased to a dead end on a jetty, Manuel had no choice but to fight the Assassin, who quickly overpowered and mortally wounded him. Before dying, Manuel gave up his Masyaf Key to his killer, cynically stating that he doubted Ezio would survive long enough to enter Altaïr's library.<ref name="ACR" />
Shifting his focus to Manuel, Ezio decided to lure him out of hiding by detonating the Templars' ammunition nad armaments storage. As the city quickly descended into chaos, Manuel tried to calm the citizens, only to run away at the sight of Ezio. Chased to a dead end on a jetty, Manuel had no choice but to fight the Assassin, who quickly overpowered and mortally wounded him. Before dying, Manuel gave up his Masyaf Key to his killer, cynically stating that he doubted Ezio would survive long enough to enter Altaïr's library.<ref name="ACR" />
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When Ezio reached Ahmet, he furiously demanded for the whereabouts of Sofia, to which the latter reminded him that harming him would cost him the chance to save her. As Ezio let him go, Ahmet lectured that since they both dreamed of world peace, with only their methods differing, it was unreasonable for them to ever have been enemies in the first place. He then asserted his belief that even when people acquire the truth, they are reluctant to acknowledge it. This failed to sway Ezio from his convictions in liberty and diversity, and so without further ado, Ahmet moved on to his real point: an ultimatum demanding that Ezio bring the Masyaf keys to the Galata Tower, lest he have Sofia executed.<ref name="ACR" />
When Ezio reached Ahmet, he furiously demanded for the whereabouts of Sofia, to which the latter reminded him that harming him would cost him the chance to save her. As Ezio let him go, Ahmet lectured that since they both dreamed of world peace, with only their methods differing, it was unreasonable for them to ever have been enemies in the first place. He then asserted his belief that even when people acquire the truth, they are reluctant to acknowledge it. This failed to sway Ezio from his convictions in liberty and diversity, and so without further ado, Ahmet moved on to his real point: an ultimatum demanding that Ezio bring the Masyaf keys to the Galata Tower, lest he have Sofia executed.<ref name="ACR" />
[[File:Exchange 4.png|thumb|250px|Ahmet and his guards meeting with Ezio to acquire the Masyaf Keys]]
[[File:Exchange 4.png|thumb|250px|Ahmet and his guards meeting with Ezio to acquire the Masyaf Keys]]
On the wall of the Galata Tower, Ahmet and a group of Templars waited for Ezio, who indeed arrived with the keys in exchange for Sofia. However, Ahmet instead had the Assassin [[Azize]]<ref name="ACR novel">[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations (novel)|''Assassin's Creed: Revelations'' novel]]</ref> dressed in Sofia's clothing with a bag hidden over her head held by the Byzantine soldier, while the real Sofia was being hanged on a nearby plaza. With this success, Ahmet left the city with the Masyaf Keys, and started his journey to Masyaf to open the library.<ref name="ACR" />
On the wall of the Galata Tower, Ahmet and a group of Templars waited for Ezio, who indeed arrived with the keys in exchange for Sofia. However, Ahmet instead had the Assassin [[Azize]]<ref name="ACR novel">[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations (novel)|''Assassin's Creed: Revelations'' novel]]</ref> dressed in Sofia's clothing with a bag hidden over her head held by the Byzantine soldier, while the real Sofia was being hanged on a nearby plaza. With this success, Ahmet left the city with the Masyaf Keys, and started his journey to Masyaf to open the library.<ref name="ACR" />


Before he had even left the outskirts of Constantinople, however, Ahmet and his Templar entourage were tailed by Ezio and Sofia, the latter having been rescued by the Assassin, and a chase on horse carts ensued. Ezio took out the other Templar horse carts, only to be knocked off his own carriage by Ahmet, but he managed to keep himself anchored to the cart with a rope. While Ahmet continued his way forward, with Sofia—now as the driver of Ezio's carriage—in rapid pursuit, Ezio deployed his [[Parachutes|parachute]] so as to safely tow behind his cart.<ref name="ACR" />
Before he had even left the outskirts of Constantinople, however, Ahmet and his Templar entourage were tailed by Ezio and Sofia, the latter having been rescued by the Assassin, and a chase on horse carts ensued. Ezio took out the other Templar horse carts, only to be knocked off his own carriage by Ahmet, but he managed to keep himself anchored to the cart with a rope. While Ahmet continued his way forward, with Sofia—now as the driver of Ezio's carriage—in rapid pursuit, Ezio deployed his [[parachute]] so as to safely tow behind his cart.<ref name="ACR" />


After a long chase through the mountains, Ahmet obliterated Sofia's cart. Ezio landed on a nearby hill and from there jumped onto Ahmet's cart, causing the two to fall off a cliff side together. The two continued to fight one another during their free fall, until at last when they neared too close to the ground, Ezio deployed another parachute to effect a safe landing, with Ahmet managing to hold on to him. They both landed safely, but showed signs of heavy fatigue.<ref name="ACR" />
After a long chase through the mountains, Ahmet obliterated Sofia's cart. Ezio landed on a nearby hill and from there jumped onto Ahmet's cart, causing the two to fall off a cliff side together. The two continued to fight one another during their free fall, until at last when they neared too close to the ground, Ezio deployed another parachute to effect a safe landing, with Ahmet managing to hold on to him. They both landed safely, but showed signs of heavy fatigue.<ref name="ACR" />
[[File:End road 22.png|thumb|250px|left|Selim killing Ahmet]]
[[File:End road 22.png|thumb|250px|left|Selim killing Ahmet]]
At that moment, Selim arrived with his army from battle with his father, and strolled up to Ahmet. At his brother's approach, Ahmet fearfully demanded the presence of the Sultan, insisting that the Janissaries were to obey only his command, not Selim's. Much to Ahmet's surprise and horror, however, Selim revealed that he was now the Sultan and, to ensure there would be no conflicts for succession, killed his brother by choking and throwing him off the precipice. With Ahmet's death, the Byzantine Templars were ultimately dissolved.<ref name="ACR" />
At that moment, Selim arrived with his army from battle with his father, and strolled up to Ahmet. At his brother's approach, Ahmet fearfully demanded the presence of the Sultan, insisting that the Janissaries were to obey only his command, not Selim's. Much to Ahmet's surprise and horror, however, Selim revealed that he was now the Sultan and, to ensure there would be no conflicts for succession, killed his brother by choking and throwing him off the precipice. With Ahmet's death, the Byzantine Templars were ultimately dissolved.<ref name="ACR" />
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;Byzantine–Ottoman wars
;Byzantine–Ottoman wars
<div style="float:left; width:48;">
<div style="float:left; width:48;">
*[[Ahmet]] {{C|Grand Master; 1509 - 1512}}
*[[Ahmet]] {{C|Grand Master; 1509–1512}}
*[[Aleksei Zima]] {{C|betrayed}}<ref name="ACReb" />
*[[Aleksei Zima]] {{C|defected}}<ref name="ACReb" />
*[[Anacletos]]
*[[Anacletos]]
*[[Andreas Palaiologos]]
*[[Andreas Palaiologos]]
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*[[Leandros]]
*[[Leandros]]
*[[Lysistrata]]
*[[Lysistrata]]
*[[Manuel Palaiologos]] {{C|leader; ? - 1509}}
*[[Manuel Palaiologos]] {{c|leader; until 1509}}
*[[Mirela Djuric]]
*[[Mirela Djuric]]
*[[Odai Dunqas]]
*[[Odai Dunqas]]
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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
ACR Byzantine Soldier Concept.JPG|Concept art of a Byzantine Templar soldier
ACR Byzantine Soldier Concept.JPG|Concept art of a Byzantine Templar soldier
The Hangman 5.png|Byzantine Templars surrounding Ezio
The Hangman 5.png|Byzantine Templars surrounding Ezio

Revision as of 07:40, 10 March 2024

"These men are remnants of a line loyal to the cause of the last Emperor, Constantine XI. Who leads them now, however, I cannot say."
―Yusuf Tazim describing the Byzantine Templars to Ezio Auditore, 1511.[src]-[m]

The Byzantine Rite of the Templar Order was the branch of the Templar Order operating in and around the territories of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empires during the Middle Ages.

In the 9th century, the Templars' predecessors, the Order of the Ancients, formed an alliance with the Byzantine Emperor Basil I, whom they influenced to plot an assassination against his own son Leo. However, the plot was thwarted by the Hidden Ones Hytham and Basim Ibn Ishaq and members of the Varangian guard, who killed the Order's leader Isaac and drove the Ancients out of Constantinople.

Centuries later, the Byzantine Templars enjoyed a period of great prosperity during the reign of several emperors. However, with the collapse of the Byzantine Empire following the Ottomans' conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Templars were forced into hiding. Leaving Constantinople, they established a headquarters in the underground city of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia, from where they plotted their return to power.

In the early 16th century, following the collapse of the Roman Rite, the Byzantine Templars became the foremost Templar rite in Europe and attempted to reclaim control of Constantinople, entering a long-standing conflict with the local Ottoman Assassins. Under the leadership of Prince Ahmet, heir apparent to the Ottoman throne, they also searched for the keys to the legendary library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, believing that the library contained information on the location of the Grand Temple, which would allow them to further the Templar cause.

From 1511 to 1512, the Byzantine Templars were systematically hunted down by the Italian Assassins' Mentor Ezio Auditore, who had also traveled to Constantinople in search of the Masyaf Keys. Following the deaths of most of its high-ranking members, the Byzantine Rite was seemingly wiped out and the Templars were driven out of Constantinople once again.

History

Alliance with Emperor Basil

In the 9th century, the Order of the Ancients led by Isaac infiltrated Constantinople and formed an alliance with Emperor Basil I, helping him gain sole control of the city. They also convinced him to plot the assassination of his young son Leo by telling him that Leo was the illegitimate son of former co-emperor Michael III. In 867, the Order was enlisted to kill Leo and released two vipers into his room in the palace's children's wing. However, the Hidden One Hytham thwarted their plot while operating undercover as Leo's Varangian guard. Plotting another attempt, Isaac communicated with their inside man Theodore, Leo's tutor, to aid on an assault on the emperor's palace. However, he received a bribe from Leo's nurse Anna and realized she knew too much. Thus, he ordered his fellow Ancients to kill both Leo and Anna during the attack.[1]

Realizing Hytham to be another issue, the Order paid two Varangian guards, Steros and an associate, to kill Hytham in his sleep. However, the Hidden One survived the attack and killed one of the guards in process while the other fled. The next night, the Order attacked the children's wing while many of the guards were poisoned thanks to Theodore. However, the Varangian guard leader Thyra of the Eagle Clan, Hytham and his mentor Basim Ibn Ishaq held off the assault and saved Leo.[1]

With the attack having failed, the Order set a trap to capture the elusive Basim at an abandoned building. However, they ended up capturing Hytham instead, who was then interrogated about Basim's location. Almost killing the Hidden One, the Ancients were suddenly ambushed by Basim and Thyra, who killed everyone in the room except Isaac, who managed to escape. With the alliance falling apart, Isaac planned another plot during Basil's Hippodrome race. After Basil had an accident during the race, the Order immediately attacked the imperial family's box and kidnapped Leo, only to blunder into the trap set up by the Hidden Ones, who rescued Leo and killed the Order culprits, including Isaac, effectively ending the alliance between the Ancients and the emperor.[1]

Establishment of the Byzantine Rite

It is unknown at which precise moment the Byzantine Rite was formed, and its relation to the Byzantine Empire is unclear as well. The last emperor, Constantine XI, ordered the capture and execution of Assassins throughout his domains, but it is unknown if he was affiliated with or influenced by the Templars.[2]

Derinkuyu, the hideout of the Byzantine Templars

During the early 16th century, the Byzantine Rite became the foremost Templar rite in Europe, since the Roman Rite had been defeated by the Italian Assassins. The Byzantine Templars set up their primary headquarters at the underground city of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia; their ultimate aim was to uproot the Ottoman Empire and retake control of their former capital of Constantinople, which the Ottomans had conquered in 1453. For a time, however, they remained relatively quiet.[2]

Search for the Masyaf Keys

"We both strive for the same end, Ezio. Only our methods differ. Do you not see that? Peace. Stability. A world where men live without fear. People desire the truth, yes, but even when they have it, they refuse to look. How do we fight this kind of ignorance?"
―Ahmet explaining the Byzantine Templars' goals to Ezio Auditore, 1512.[src]-[m]

Following the earthquake in Constantinople in 1509, Templars reappeared in the city under the Byzantine banner. Due to Sultan Bayezid II's disappearance from the city following the earthquake, the Byzantine Templars could easily integrate into the city and start their plans for taking over the Ottoman Empire.[2] Initially led by Manuel Palaiologos, Constantine XI's nephew and heir to the Byzantine throne, the Templars quickly caught the eye of Prince Ahmet, Bayezid's son and favored successor. Ahmet joined the Order, and his youth and charisma allowed him to slip into the position of Grand Master while Manuel was forced to become his second-in-command.[3]

Earlier in 1495, the Templars had acquired The Secret Crusade, a journal written by the Italian explorer and Assassin Niccolò Polo, from the Spanish Inquisition.[4] From it, they learned about the library of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad in Masyaf and the keys needed to open it. Believing that the library housed the necessary knowledge to locate the Grand Temple, Ahmet placed Manuel in charge of an expedition to find the Masyaf Keys hidden across Constantinople, while Ahmet himself continued his plans to secure the Templars' power in the Ottoman Empire.[2]

Leandros giving instructions to the Templars

By 1511, the Templars had managed to obtain one of the Masyaf Keys from underneath Topkapı Palace, and had taken full occupation of Masyaf. Without the other keys in their possession, they resorted to digging their way into the library, with no success. That same year, the Italian Assassins' Mentor Ezio Auditore arrived in Masyaf, also seeking to access Altaïr's library. He was ambushed by Byzantine Templars led by Leandros, who overpowered and captured him.[2]

Ezio was subsequently led to Masyaf's watchtower, where he was to be hanged. At the very last moment, he fought back against Leandros, who was tying the noose around Ezio's neck. The Assassin threw the noose around Leandros' neck instead, and jumped down to a scaffolding below. With no sign left of Ezio in the thick snowstorm that was brewing, Leandros instead decided to focus on other matters and was about to leave on a horse cart. Ezio gave chase, and jumped to a rope hanging on Leandros' cart, eventually procuring his own cart to keep up with his pursuit.[2]

Ezio assassinating Leandros

Leandros crashed Ezio's cart near Atlas Village in the mountains, and made his way into the village while sending his fellow Templars to deal with Ezio. However, the wounded Assassin made his way past the guards and into the village's center with some difficulty, coming to the area where Leandros had taken refuge. Leandros, sending more of his men at Ezio, was ultimately confronted and killed by the Assassin on top of the village's watchtower, where Ezio took The Secret Crusade from him.[2]

Struggle in Constantinople

"Five years ago, Templar influence here was minimal. A small faction with dreams of restoring the Byzantine throne. But they're growing in number, day by day. And with Sultan Bayezid on his way out, they may try something dramatic."
―Yusuf Tazim to Ezio, on the Templars' presence in Constantinople, 1511.[src]-[m]

In Constantinople, the Templars were still ever present, engaging in heavy combat with the Ottoman Assassins, occupying numerous Assassin Dens throughout the city and searching for the secret locations in the city leading to the Masyaf Keys. The Templars discovered that two of the Masyaf Keys were located in the Yerebatan Cistern and the Forum of the Ox, but Ezio recovered the artifacts before the Templars could. He also retrieved the remaining two keys that the Templars had been unable to find.[2]

During this time, Ahmet personally devised a plan to have his nephew Prince Suleiman kidnapped at a feast in the Topkapı Palace, allowing Ahmet to "rescue" him and gain the Ottoman citizens' favor over his brother Selim for the Ottoman throne. However, Yusuf Tazim and the Ottoman Assassins learned of the Templars' plan and plotted to stop their plan. With the help of Ezio, the Assassins—dressed as Italian minstrels—found and killed all of the Templars hidden amongst the party goers. Ahmet, whose Templar affiliation remained a secret, instead accused Tarik Barleti, the captain of the Janissaries, of being unable to stop the 'attack' of the Italian minstrels.[2]

Manuel and Shahkulu meeting with Tarik to purchase weapons

Later, Manuel journeyed to Constantinople to purchase guns from the Tarik and the Janissaries for his forces in Cappadocia. Accompanied by the Turkmen renegade and Templar Shahkulu, Manuel inspected the weapons in the city's arsenal and successfully closed the deal before returning to Cappadocia. Tarik was assassinated by Ezio some time later on Suleiman's orders, after the two came to the wrong conclusion that he was in league with the Byzantines when in reality, he had been spying on the Templars in Cappadocia in order to thwart them. His death was quickly pinned by the Janissaries on Ahmet, damaging his public image.[2]

During his time in Constantinople, Ezio helped the Ottoman Assassins retake control of their dens from the Templars, tipping the scale of power in the city in the Assassins' favor once again. He also recruited a number of Assassin apprentices, whom he subsequently assisted in eliminating some of the remaining Templars in Constantinople, including Vali cel Tradat, Cyril of Rhodes, Damat Ali Pasha, Georgios Kostas, Lysistrata, Mirela Djuric, and Odai Dunqas.[2]

Around this time, the Assassins and Templars started to battle for control of Bursa. The Byzantine Templars kidnapped Bayezid II's third son Korkuta, though he was saved by Assassins sent by Ezio from Constantinople. The Templars eventually started to lose control of Bursa, and the Assassins moved in to take control.[5]

Collapse of Cappadocia

Manuel: "I should have been Constantine's successor. I had so many plans."
Ezio: "Your dream dies with you, Manuel. Your empire is gone."
Manuel: "Ah, but I am not the only one with this vision, Assassin. The dream of our Order is universal. Ottoman, Byzantine... these are only labels. Costumes and facades. Beneath these trappings, all Templars are part of the same family."
—Manuel talking to Ezio in his final moments, 1512.[src]-[m]
Shahkulu and Manuel discussing their plans in Derinkuyu

In March 1512, Manuel and Shahkulu returned to Derinkuyu, where they continued building up the Byzantine army's strength while capturing and executing numerous Ottoman spies secretly sent by Tarik before his death. Unbeknownst to the Templars, Ezio had trailed them there and subsequently teamed up with one the Ottoman spies, Dilara, to free her captured comrades.[2]

With the help of the spies, Ezio located Shahkulu, who was in the process of carrying out several public executions. As the sadistic Shahkulu reveled in his murders, Ezio attempted to assassinate him from above, though much to his surprise, the Templar's armor protected him from the strike. Ultimately, Ezio killed Shahkulu after a duel, ending the torture and execution of Ottoman spies in the city.[2]

Manuel and a Byzantine spotting Ezio

Shifting his focus to Manuel, Ezio decided to lure him out of hiding by detonating the Templars' ammunition nad armaments storage. As the city quickly descended into chaos, Manuel tried to calm the citizens, only to run away at the sight of Ezio. Chased to a dead end on a jetty, Manuel had no choice but to fight the Assassin, who quickly overpowered and mortally wounded him. Before dying, Manuel gave up his Masyaf Key to his killer, cynically stating that he doubted Ezio would survive long enough to enter Altaïr's library.[2]

At that very moment, Ahmet arrived on the scene by boat, revealing his Templar allegiance to Ezio and threatening to capture his love interest Sofia Sartor if the Assassin did not surrender the Masyaf Keys. Ahmet then left to deliver on his threat while Ezio was forced to find another way out of Derinkuyu, which was becoming filled with smoke from the explosion.[2]

Fall of the Byzantines

Ahmet: "I will open that library, and I will find the Grand Temple. And with the power that is hidden there, I will destroy the superstitions that keep men divided."
Ezio: "Not in this life, Ahmet."
—Ahmet explaining his plans with Altaïr's library to Ezio, 1512.[src]-[m]
Ezio confronting Ahmet

Upon returning to Constantinople, Ahmet sent a battalion of Templars to capture Sofia from her book shop. The shop was guarded by Yusuf Tazim and other Assassins, though the Templars emerged victorious, killing Yusuf in the process. Upon discovering Yusuf's lifeless body, Ezio rallied the Assassins against Ahmet and the Templars, who had fortified themselves at the Harbor of Theodosius.[2]

When Ezio reached Ahmet, he furiously demanded for the whereabouts of Sofia, to which the latter reminded him that harming him would cost him the chance to save her. As Ezio let him go, Ahmet lectured that since they both dreamed of world peace, with only their methods differing, it was unreasonable for them to ever have been enemies in the first place. He then asserted his belief that even when people acquire the truth, they are reluctant to acknowledge it. This failed to sway Ezio from his convictions in liberty and diversity, and so without further ado, Ahmet moved on to his real point: an ultimatum demanding that Ezio bring the Masyaf keys to the Galata Tower, lest he have Sofia executed.[2]

Ahmet and his guards meeting with Ezio to acquire the Masyaf Keys

On the wall of the Galata Tower, Ahmet and a group of Templars waited for Ezio, who indeed arrived with the keys in exchange for Sofia. However, Ahmet instead had the Assassin Azize[6] dressed in Sofia's clothing with a bag hidden over her head held by the Byzantine soldier, while the real Sofia was being hanged on a nearby plaza. With this success, Ahmet left the city with the Masyaf Keys, and started his journey to Masyaf to open the library.[2]

Before he had even left the outskirts of Constantinople, however, Ahmet and his Templar entourage were tailed by Ezio and Sofia, the latter having been rescued by the Assassin, and a chase on horse carts ensued. Ezio took out the other Templar horse carts, only to be knocked off his own carriage by Ahmet, but he managed to keep himself anchored to the cart with a rope. While Ahmet continued his way forward, with Sofia—now as the driver of Ezio's carriage—in rapid pursuit, Ezio deployed his parachute so as to safely tow behind his cart.[2]

After a long chase through the mountains, Ahmet obliterated Sofia's cart. Ezio landed on a nearby hill and from there jumped onto Ahmet's cart, causing the two to fall off a cliff side together. The two continued to fight one another during their free fall, until at last when they neared too close to the ground, Ezio deployed another parachute to effect a safe landing, with Ahmet managing to hold on to him. They both landed safely, but showed signs of heavy fatigue.[2]

Selim killing Ahmet

At that moment, Selim arrived with his army from battle with his father, and strolled up to Ahmet. At his brother's approach, Ahmet fearfully demanded the presence of the Sultan, insisting that the Janissaries were to obey only his command, not Selim's. Much to Ahmet's surprise and horror, however, Selim revealed that he was now the Sultan and, to ensure there would be no conflicts for succession, killed his brother by choking and throwing him off the precipice. With Ahmet's death, the Byzantine Templars were ultimately dissolved.[2]

Members

Order of the Ancients

Macedonian era

Byzantine Rite

Komnenian era
Byzantine–Ottoman wars

Allies and puppets

Macedonian era
Byzantine–Ottoman wars

Gallery

  • Concept art of a Byzantine Templar soldier
    Concept art of a Byzantine Templar soldier
  • Byzantine Templars surrounding Ezio
    Byzantine Templars surrounding Ezio
  • Ezio ambushing a group of Byzantine Templars
    Ezio ambushing a group of Byzantine Templars

Appearances

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Assassin's Creed: The Golden City
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 Assassin's Creed: Revelations – [citation needed]
  3. ↑ Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Assassin's Creed: Rebellion – The Ottoman Connection
  5. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Revelations – Mediterranean Defense
  6. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Revelations novel
  7. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Assassin's Creed: Recollection

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