Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt

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Discovery Tour: Ancient Egypt is an educational mode for Assassin's Creed: Origins.

The mode was released as a downloadable add-on on 20 February 2018 and is available for free to those who own the base game, or for purchase as a stand-alone version on PC. In it, players are to free roam the game's map of ancient Egypt and learn about the kingdom's history through a series of guided tours.

Tours

Egypt

The Major Regions of Egypt

Learn about the major regions of Egypt.

Lower & Upper EgyptTwo Pharaohs & CrownsMemphis and ThebesRepresentation in Temples

The Nile, Egypt

Life in ancient Egypt was concentrated along the shores of the Nile, and divided into two regions.

Lower Egypt (north) was situated on the Nile Delta near the Mediterranean, and Upper Egypt was at the south reaching into Africa.

Due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, temperatures in Lower Egypt were less extreme than in Upper Egypt.

Relief of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II and the Goddess Hathor

Until 3100 BCE and the unification of Egypt, each region had its own pharaoh and crown.

Lower Egypt's crown was red, and marked with symbols of papyrus and bees.

Upper Egypt's crown was white with symbols of lotus and sedge grass.

Temple of Ptah, Memphis

Both regions had competing major cities, most notably Memphis in Lower Egypt, and Thebes in Upper Egypt.

There were different religious cults in both regions, each worshipping their own major gods.

Perfume burner, composite, with stand

Many of the temples were designed in such a way as to represent the two regions, and ceremonies often incorporated Upper and Lower Egypt in their rituals.

Bringer of Life, The Nile River

Learn about the river Nile and it's importance to the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.

TopologyThree SeasonsRibbon of LifeHapi, Neilos, NileGeographyCataracts of the NileThe Nile of EgyptWater SourcesLakes

The Nile River

The ancient Egyptians called the dark fertile soil of the Nile "the black lands," and the surrounding desert was referred to as "the red lands."

The dramatic difference of productive land opposed to barren desert had a deep influence on cultural ideology, mythology and religion.

The Nile

The Nile determined much of Egyptian civilization. For example, the seasonal cycle of the Nile was so consistent that ancient Egyptians created their calendar around it.

The flood season, or Akhet, was when the departing floodwaters left arable soil for crops. It was followed by the growing and harvesting seasons known as Peret and Shemu.

These regular seasons along with abundant wildlife and rich soil meant that Egypt's denizens were able to nourish themselves, and their country’s strength in trade.

Memphis

The river Nile, flowing from the south to the north, neatly traversed through both Upper and Lower Egpyt.

All of Egypt's major cities were built along this narrow ribbon of life.

Protected by mountain ranges and deserts which acted as natural barriers to enemies, and sustained by the Nile's plants and wildlife, Egyptian civilization enjoyed economic and cultural prosperity for over 4000 years.

The Nile, Egypt

Both ancient Egyptians and ancient Greeks referred to the Nile as "the river" in their respective languages.

Stretching a distance of over 6700 kilometers, the Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world. It flows south to north, spanning eleven countries.

The river Nile originates in the region of the great subequatorial lakes, including one of the largest in the world, Lake Victoria near Tanzania.

The Nile

The river flows through African equatorial forests, swamps, volcanic lands, steppes and deserts, splitting apart for a while, and picking up various sediments from each region and carrying them all the way to Egypt.

Its main artery, known as the White Nile, rejoins with the Blue Nile in Khartoum. This is where it weaves through rich deposits of silt and nutrients, carrying them along in its wake.

View of the second cataract, from Nubia

The Nile crosses six cataracts from the south to the north, creating natural obstacles between the various sections of the river.

The cataracts are long zones of about 100 kilometers where the bubbling and rapidly swirling waters advance tumultuously amid enormous heaps of rocks and benches of hard stone.

View of the first cataract, from Philae

It is after crossing Nubia and the first cataract that the river officially returns to Egypt, In Aswan.

There are still a thousand kilometers before it reaches Cairo and the Delta, bringing life to those living on its shores, before it eventually empties into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile, Egypt

Ancient Egyptian irrigation and water use was centered around the Nile. However, they also had access to streams and rivers, as well as several large lakes.

The Delta, situated at the north end of the Nile also known as Lower Egypt, is a large irrigated area where the river splits into several tributaries.

Menna and Family Hunting in the Marshes, Tomb of Menna

The Delta had several major brackish coastal lakes, bodies of water separated from the sea by thin strips of land.

A mix of deep to shallow waters, salt swamps and sand plains, these lakes were refuge to a wealth of species, as well as water and land plants.

The occasional bandit could also be found, sheltering within the denser reeds, waiting for the unwary traveler.

Deserts of Egypt

Learn about the deserts which cover 94% of Egypt.

Western & Eastern DesertsWhite DesertOceans of Sand

Wadi Al-Hitan (The Valley of Whales), by Véronique Dauge

Reaching out on either side of the lush Nile are the harsh arid Western Desert and the mountainous Eastern Desert. They cover nearly 94% of Egypt.

Each of these parent deserts have their own microclimate, and contain several smaller deserts with a distinct fauna and flora.

Whale fossils were discovered within the depths of the Sahara. Known as the Valley of the Whales, this location is evidence of the seas which once covered the area.

The White Desert in the northeast of the Sahara owes its name to its limestone soil contrasting with the yellow sand. The wind has eroded the rocks of the White Desert into stone mushrooms, the most famous of which is referred to as the Finger of God.

The Nile, Egypt

The Great Sand Sea is a large unbroken desert that reaches out through western Egypt and eastern Libya.

It is home to a unique geological formation known as Libyan silica glass. The pale yellowish-green material ranges from pebble-sized fragments to glass rocks the size of rough boulders.

The Qattara Depression

Learn about the Qattara Depression, in north-western Egypt.

Sand and SaltInhospitable Environment

Dust Storm in Egypt

The Qattara Depression is located in the northwest part of Egypt.

Reaching 18,000 square kilometers, the basin is 133 meters below sea level and covered with salt.

It is the second lowest point in Africa, after the Afar Depression.

The climate is very arid, with average temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. The famous Siwa Oasis is located on the protected southwestern region. Today, the Qattara Depression is utilized for oil exploration.

Siwa

Learn about the geography and importance of the oasis of Siwa.

IntroductionOasesNorth-South OrientationLibyan OasesCleopatra's BathOracle of AmunAlexander the Great, Son of AmmonPredicting VictoryThe Ram-Headed Sphinxes

Aerial view of Siwa

The Siwa Oasis is in the Western Desert of Egypt.

Geographically, the Siwan Oasis is located in a depression 20 meters below sea level. Its natural springs and warm climates aided in the bountiful production of date trees.

Though clearly influenced to some degree by Egyptian and African culture, the area's isolation resulted in a unique society and language.

While they worshipped the same deities, Siwan temple architecture differed from traditional Egyptian temples.

General View of the Siwa Oasis

Old Kingdom Egyptians referred to the Oasis as cauldron, due to its unique geographical structure.

Oases were crucial for nomadic tribes and carvans. Without them, there was no chance of survival in an otherwise harsh landscape.

As such, oases quickly became hubs for trade, as well as areas of political control.

The Nile, Egypt

Because of the dry climate there is very little rainfall to sustain the oases. Instead, underground rivers flood the natural basins.

Since many oases have a north-south orientation parallel to the Nile, some geologists suggest they were once tributaries of the mighty river.

There is evidence that some ancient Egyptians attempted to create some oases.

Dust Storm in Egypt

The Libyan oases are the best known, as they are geographically and culturally linked to the Nile Valley and the Delta.

These western oases have a distinct geology from the other regions of Egypt.

The most famous and important oases are Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra, Baharia and Siwa.

Siwa Oasis, Qesm Siwah, Matrouh Governorate, Egypt

The Spring of the Sun is one of the many thermal sources in Siwa with the particularity that Cleopatra would have bathed in this one, giving it its name.

The presence of the source beneath was attested already by Herodotus during the 5th century BCE, when the oasis was called Ammoneion by the Greeks of Cyrene.

Zeus Ammon on a throne

Oracles predicted the future, delivered omens that could be more or less obscure, and offered divine guidance.

The Siwan Oracle was considered of the three greatest of the ancient world, alongside the oracles of Delphi and Dodoni.

Because of the Greek colonies in Cyrenaica, the temple associated Zeus with the worship of Amun.

Alexander the Great as Pharaoh, Karnak, Temple of Amon, by Jean Binot

It is no wonder that Alexander the Great made the perilous journey to Siwa in order to consult the oracle, emulating the actions of mythical heroes such as Hercules and Perseus.

This action earned the approval of the oracle, who validated his claim as Pharaoh of Egypt.

He was confirmed as the son of Ammon, conferring upon him the most legitimate claim to date of all Egypt's foreign invaders.

Oracle of Siwa

The powerful and the rich would send gifts or travel great distances in order to ensure their good fortune by gaining the blessing of the Oracle of Siwa. Every successful blessing only increased the soothsayer's prestige.

Runner Eubotas, a famous citizen of Cyrene, consulted the Oracle in order to win the 93rd Olympic games race in 408 BCE. He did, enhancing the standing of the Siwan Oracle in the process.

Colossal statue of Amun protecting King Taharqa

Behind the scenes
The temple of the Oracle of Amun was built in the 6th Century BCE, by Pharaoh Amasis.

In the game, its entrance is guarded by ram-headed sphinxes, the animal representing Amun. They were inspired by a similar statuary located at the British Museum.

Another option would have a Greek-influenced representation of Zeus-Ammon: a human-headed sphinx with horns. This representation of Zeus-Ammon was very popular in Siwa.

The Faiyum

The OasisLake MoerisTransports on WaterAmenemhat III's PyramidRecreating the PyramidKrokodilopolisTown of SobekSobek or Soukhos

The City of Memphis

Cities and RegionsMemphis, Thebes & SaisThe First CapitalThe White Walls

Rediscovering Egypt

Mass PillagingEarly OrganizationThe Dawn of Scientific ArcheologyA Unique ContributionThe Art of Jean-Claude GolvinA New Era for EgyptologyExcavations Today

Flora of Ancient Egypt

A Wide Variety of PlantsPapyrusFruit TreesEmbodiments of Divinity

The climate and unique geography of the Nile

Delta offered a wide variety of plant species.

Many of these plants served as sustenance for ancient Egyptians, and as crops for trade.

The Nile's consistent seasons allowed Egypt to

sustain itself for centuries.

Possibly the most useful of the plants was the papyrus. This tall sedge plant grew in abundance along the water's edge of the Nile. Commontly known for its use as paper, the ancient Egyptians found many other functions for it, including rope, sandals and mats. Papyriform boats made from the plant are seen in paintings and reliefs, and were used in ritualistic ceremonies.

There were many types of trees along the river Nile, such as the date palm, carob and tamarisk. The earliest fruit tree cultivated was the fig tree, followed by apple, pomegranate and eventually olive trees during the era of the New Kingdom. Mango cultivation was the result of a late import from Asia during the Middle Ages.

Some trees were associated with gods, such as the acacia with Horus. The divinities Thoth and Seshat were depicted inscribing the reign of the king into a persea tree. The sycamore was connected with the goddess Iset, patron of the Ritual of Life.

The Founding of Cyrene

Learn about the city of Cyrene.

CyrenaicaCyreneCyrene's Key FeaturesAn Economic PowerhouseThe Fall of CyreneCyrene & ApolloniaApollonia's Fate

File:DT - Map of the World by Eratosthenes of Cyrene.jpg

Map of the world by Eratosthenes of Cyrene, circa 240 BCE

Cyrenaica stretches across the coast of northwest Africa. It was known as Pentopolis in antiquity, a reference to the five main cities that formed the Greek colonies.
Built on a lush plateau of the Green Mountains in what is present day Libya, a colony of Greek settlers formed the city in 630 BCE.
Cyrene's population quickly grew, spreading out across the terraces of the plateau, making it the first and largest of the five colonies.

Arcesilaus II, king of Cyrene, supervising the weighing and storage of silphium.

The city of Cyrene was founded by Battos Aristottle, guided by the Oracle of Delphi.
Overcrowded and suffering from drought, Battos's home island of Thera could not sustain its citizens. Battos consulted the oracle who told them to journey to the North African coast in search of arable land.
A series of kings reigned over the city in the first two centuries. However, rebellion eventually ended the monarchy and henceforth, the city was governed by the aristocracy.

Agora of Cyrene

The key features of Cyrene were temples dedicated to gods: Apollo, Demeter and Zeus alongside Ptolemaic gods such as Iset and Serapis.
A large agora defined the city center, and on the western edge, the famed Acropolis was built.
A fortification wall was added around the harbor at the end of the 2nd century CE. As the city grew, more buildings were constructed beyond the walls.

Two-faced bust, likely Aristippus of Cyrene and his daughter, Arete

Under Roman influence Cyrene became an economic powerhouse, rising in status throughout the Mediterranean.
Cyrene's school of medicine rivaled all others except for that of the Greek city Cos.
Some of the great minds in ancient math, astronomy and geography were born or established in the various schools of the city, which included an institute of philosophy founded by Aristippos, a pupil of Socrates.

Statue of a draped woman, acephalous

From 115 to 117 CE there was a revolt in the Jewish quarter that greatly damaged the city of Cyrene.
Over time, a succession of battles, poor management of its silphium crop and earthquakes eventually took their toll on the city.
It was completely abandoned in 365 CE.

Apollonia

The nearby port of Apollonia was an ideal location with its natural cove, sheltered by two islands and rocky inlets.
Along with a lighthouse, the port was later equipped with quays and warehouses to accommodate the increased shipping traffic.

Apollonia Ruins On Landscape Against Cloudy Sky

With its success as a commercial trading port, Apollonia surpassed Cyrene to eventually become the capital of the Pentapolis.
A number of earthquakes gradually shifted the city causing many of its original structures to sink. Some of its ruins can still be seen underwater.

The Acropolis of Cyrene

The Acropolis WardStatuette of Berenice20th Century Fortification*

Located on the western edge of city, Cyrene's

acropolis was smaller than the one in Athens, though its high vantage point provided protection for the city.

At its entrance was a single door, flanked by two towers. An inscription, Legible to this day, states that the walls and the citadel were restored in the

time of Augustus.

A number of statuettes have been excavated from the site, including one of Berenice, the daughter of Magus the king of Cyrene, and half-brother of Ptolemy ll. At the northeast tower, there is a sanctuary consisting of two small temples with a vestibule, and an altar believed to be that of Serapis and Iset. When the temples were excavated, archaeologists found traces of fire damage; however there are no indications as to when this fire occured.

In the 20th century, a fortification was built above the ward, to defend against an invading army. It covered the ancient remains of nearby Roman houses entirely, and archaeologists have yet to fully excavate them.

Pyramids

Pyramids of the Middle Kingdom

Revival of PyramidsSmaller & ElaborateThe Decline of PyramidsA Legacy

During the Middle Kingdom era, the powerful

rulers of the 12th dynasty resumed the tradition of elaborate pyramidal tombs.

For example, Amenemhbat | built a funerary complex in Lisht, and Senwosret |l selected the Illahoun site in the Faiyum. Amenemhat |! and Sesostris Ill however, cast their favor towards Dahshur. Amenembhat III built a pyramid there as

well before moving to Hawara in the Faiyum.

The plundering of tombs in troubled times prompted the architects of the Middle Kingdom to devise increasingly complicated means of security during construction. Às such, while the architectural plans of the Hawara pyramid were simpler than the one at Dahshur, the means used to protect it from looters were much more elaborate. Beyond the use of blind passages and concealed trapdoors, the architects relied on a system of stone slabs which were slid into place at the end of construction. These massive stone stabs were meant to permanently block the passageways leading to the funerary chambers.

The kings of the 13th Dynasty began building their pyramids at Mazghouna, south of Dahshur, then moved on to Faiyum and Abydos. The kings of the 17th dynasty, however, satisfied themselves with crowning their cave tombs with small pyramids of raw brick. The kings of the 18th dynasty gave up the shape of the pyramid as a royal tomb entirely. They chose a mountain with a pyramidal shape in the Valley of Kings, and dug their graves there.

Itwas not until the Nubian pharaohs of the 25th dynasty that kings were once again buried under pyramidal tombs. In fact today, the area of ancient Nubia, modern Sudan, contains a record number of 220 known pyramids, to Egypt's 138. Despite their slow decline in use and quality, pyramids continued to fascinate all and sundry, up to the Roman era. They remain to this day a symbol of the religious dedication of the Pharaohs, and the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

An Overview of The Giza Necropolis

The Giza PlateauAn Immense Funerary ComplexA Strict Alignment

• Narrator: The Giza plateau is located on the West Bank of the Nile, and was considered by ancient Egyptians as the domain of the dead.
  The pyramidal complexes found there were built over the span of three generations, during the reign of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure.

• Narrator: The Giza area, now famous for its three pyramidsm is part of a wider grouping of funerary complexes. Rulers from this period generally elected to be buried in the area.
  The focal point of the entire region was the city of Memphis, chosen as the capital of Egypt at the beginning of the Old Kingdom.

• Narrator: The placement of the Giza monuments and particularly that of the pyramids, followed a practical, yet strict alignment. First they focused on cardinal points, and then they accounted for the natural geology of the plateau.

Alexandria

The Greek Pharaohs

Learn about the founding of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.

The Divine PharaohThe Ptolemaic DynastyAlexander The GreatSon of AmmonPtolemy I SoterThe Tomb of Alexander The GreatThe Last Hero of Antiquity

Pharaohs were considered divine incarnations of the gods. As an avatar of the gods living on earth, the pharaoh's role was to preserve fundamental values and universal harmony by removing chaos, isfet, and ensure that justice, maat, prevailed. The pharaoh, by divine ancestry and through multiple offerings, was the bond that unites the world of men to the world of the gods and allows the maintenance of the cosmic order.

The Ptolemaic dynasty reigned over Egypt from 305 BCE to 30 BCE. The dynasty was called the Ptolemies of the Lagides in recognition of the founder of the Dynasty, Ptolemy Lagos, a Greek general and close friend of Alexander the Great. While Macedonian, Ptolemy Lagos understood that to be accepted by the Egyptian people, he would have to adopt their traditions. Upon assuming the title of pharaoh he changed his name to Ptolemy I Soter, meaning "savior."

Born in 356 BCE, Alexander the Great went through a hasty education in the affairs of the kingdom before integrating into the Macedonian army, where he quickly rose through the ranks. After his father's assassination in 336 BCE, which some believed was orchestrated by Alexander himself, he became king of Macedonia. Ruler of a unified kingdom and leader of a large army, Alexander set his sights on conquest. Eager to reclaim Greek cities of Asia Minor, he took on the Persian forces, earning victory after victory.

Ever victorious, Alexander the Great marched on, laying siege to city after city, until he reached Egypt, where the Persians were defeated yet again. Viewed as a liberator by the Egyptian people, Alexander decided to become pharaoh in blue form. He traveled to Thebes to make a sacrifice to Apis, then went to the oasis of Siwa, where he was proclaimed son of Ammon. Officialy pharaoh of Egypt, Alexander spent much of the winter there, and founded the city of Alexandria. Perhaps not coincidentally, being pharaoh allowed Alexander to spread propaganda to prepare further conquests. He resumed his military campaigns in 331 BCE.

On his deathbed in 323 BCE, Alexander the Great gifted the satrapy of Egypt to Ptolemy Lagos. Perfectly aware of the value of Egypt, Ptolemy ensured not only the stability of the country's borders, but also its economic and military development. At the same time, he worked with the Egyptian elite to maintain the interal order of the country. By 305 BCE, Ptolemy, well respected both in Egypt and in the Mediterranean, was at the head of the largest fleet of the Hellenistic world. Ptolemy officially took the title of pharaoh of Egypt in January 304 BCE, on the anniversary of Alexander the Great's death.

Alexander died in Babylon in 323 BCE. His remains were placed first in a solid gold sarcophagus, and then within another. The casket was carried in a an ornate custom wagon, glided and set with precious stones and pulled by sixty-four mules crowned in gold. The funeral procession was diverted to a grandiose temple in Alexandria built in the conqueror's honor, under the orders of Ptolemy I.

Julius Caesar visited Alexander's tomb at the capture of Alexandria, and the Roman Emperor Augustus reported placed flowers there. However, though many powerful leaders claimed to have visited it, the tomb's location has gone missing from history. Some accounts do state that the golden coffin was replaced by a glass sarcophagus, probably by Ptolemy X. It is also implied that Cleopatra may have plundered the tomb in a time of financial crisis.

Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt

Learn about Cleopatra, the last of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs.

IntroductionProtector of the Two LandsCo-rule with Ptolemy XIII & ExilePompey's FateCleopatra's GambitClaiming The ThroneCleopatra in RomeCleopatra & AntonyA New Egyptian Empire?War With RomeThe Last Pharaoh of Egypt

Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator ascended the throne in 51 BCE, at the age of eighteen. Though her early attempts to maintain power were often challenged, she eventually prevailed, and became the sole ruler of Egypt. According to Plutarch, she was the only Ptolemaic pharaoh to speak the Egyptian language. Her intelligence, coupled with a good education and a great political mind, allowed her to make the alliances necessary to maintain the independence of Egypt while Rome was becoming a Mediterranean empire.

It is important to understand that Cleopatra's knowledge of Egyptian language and keen understanding of Egyptian language and keen understanding of the culture allowed her to make powerful ideological referents that resonated with ancient Egyptians. By associating herself with the goddess Iset, the divine mother, great of magic and repository of divine essence, Cleopatra firmly established herself as the Protector of the Two Lands, and legitimized her place on the throne.

Upon his death in 51 BCE, Ptolemy XII Aulos bequeathed his kingdom to his daughter and eldest son: Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII. As was custom, the siblings were married. The new pharaoh was 10 years old, his sister-wife 17. The early years of their reign were not easy. Between 50 and 48 BCE, droughts and floods aggravated Egypt's problems. General Achillas and the royal advisor Potheinos kept intervening in the young rulers' political decisions, and eventually colluded to turn Ptolemy XIII against Cleopatra. By 48 BCE, Cleopatra was in exile.

During Cleopatra's exile, the Roman empire was not without its own internal conflict. Caesar and Pompey were at war with one another, and after his defeat in 48 BCE, Pompey fled to Alexandria in the hope of finding refuge. This turned out to be an unwise decision. Listening to his advisors, Ptolemy XIII elected to have Pompey assassinated, his head kept as a gift in the hopes of acquiring Caesar's favor. This gambit backfired. Instead of earning approval, the murder of a Roman greatly angered Caesar.

File:César remet Cléopâtre sur le trône d'Égypte - Pierre de Cortone.jpg

Caesar Returns Cleopatra to the Egyptian Throne

Cleopatra, aware of Caesar's anger against Ptolemy for the murder of Pompey, decided to take advantage of the situation.

She returned to Egypt in secret, hoping to establish an alliance with one of the most powerful men of the time.

Outside of the legend where she had herself smuggled into his quarters in a carpet, what exactly happened during that fateful meeting remains a mystery. However, Caesar seemed to see a better ruler for Egypt in Cleopatra than in her young and too-easily influenced brother.

Invoking Ptolemy XII's will, Caesar attempted to mediate peace between the siblings.

Ptolemy XIII was enraged by the turn of events, and his advisors were none too happy to see Cleopatra return. Urged on by General Achillas and Potheinos, the young Pharaoh plotted against Caesar and Cleopatra, resulting in the siege of Alexandria in 47 BCE. It was in March 47 BCE that Caesar defeated Ptolemy XIII's forces. The young pharaoh drowned in the Nile after having fled the battlefield. With her opponents dead or powerless, Cleopatra married her other much younger brother, Ptolemy XIV, and finally claimed the throne of Egypt for good.

In June of 47 BCE, Cleopatra gave birth to a son, whom she called Caesarion. Caesar did not accept the boy as his heir, choosing instead his nephew, Octavian. Nonetheless, on his return to Rome, Caesar invited the queen and her brother-husband to stay in the city. Her presence still drew much disapproval from the senate. Always a strategist, Caesar left four legions in Egypt, and a man he trusted to direct Egyptian affairs, giving him control of the wheat supplies essential to Rome. Cleopatra and her entourage remained in Rome until March 44 BCE, when Caesar was murdered.

Caesar's most faithful ally, Mark Antony, often visited the queen of Egypt during his stay in Rome. Unlike most, he recognized the legitimacy of Caesarion, the natural son of Caesar. Antony knew he would need the riches of Egypt, in order to fight OCtavian and claim the Roman Empire. Cleopatra, in return, saw a powerful ally. In the winter of 41 BCE, she arranged a sumptuous tour of Egypt by boat, to show Antony the wealth of her country and the power she held as its ruler. A romantic and political relationship followed. The Roman senate was once against most displeased. To calm spirits in Rome, Antony married Octavia, sister of Octavian.

Despite his marriage to Octavia, Antony remained Cleopatra's lover, and she gave birth to their children. Cleopatra increased her kingdom's territory, and started a political propaganda alongside her lover, in Egypt and beyond. She hoped to create a Ptolemaic federal empire, with Alexandria at its center. Antony eventually repudiated his Roman wife for the Egyptian queen, much to the dismay of the Roman elite. However, while Mark Antony focused on Egypt, Octavian carefully gained military and political ascendency over him in Rome.

Octavian managed his own propaganda campaign, and succeeded. The Roman people hated Mark Antony and Cleopatra. To avoid the censure still inherent in attacking a fellow Roman, Octavian simply declared war against Egypt. Rome's power still reigned supreme. The powerful Egyptian fleet, led by Cleopatra as well as Mark Antony's forces, were defeated in 31 BCE in Actium. Octavian arrived in Egypt in 30 BCE, to formalize his victory.

Death of Cleopatra, by Louis-Marie Baader

The following events remain difficult to confirm, due to the many versions and legends around them.

It is believed that after hearing a rumur about Cleopatra's suicide, Mark Antony commited suicide himself. He was brought to the queen, as he slowly passed away.

Knowing that Octavian would have her chained and paraded through Rome in defeat, Cleopatra planned her own suicide.

She most likely killed herself with arsenic, though admittedly the version where she uses an asp to deliver a fatal bite may be considered more dramatic.

What happened to the body of Cleopatra is still a mystery...

The Siege of Alexandria

Learn about the siege of Alexandria, from Julius Caesar's perspective.

Texts by Julius CaesarCivil WarPompey's FateCaesar is Not PleasedA Bold MoveAssassination AttemptCaught in the PalaceThe War BeginsBlocking the PortCommunication is KeyBurning of the LibraryBurning ManuscriptsLost KnowledgeAchillas & GanymedesSalting the WaterThe Legio XXXVIIThe Battle of Eunostos HarborCaesar SwimmingThe Siege is LiftedMithridates to the RescueThe Battle of the NileCleopatra on the Throne

Introduction to Alexandria

Learn about the city of Alexandria and the Canopic Way.

The City of Alexander the GreatAlexandria in a NutshellA Rich CapitalA Legenfary CityObelisksThe Canopic WayAn Extra Wide AvenueThe Canopic Door

Alexandria: Planning of the City

Learn about the design and layout of the city of Alexandria.

Legendary SiteChoosing The SiteThe Walls of AlexandriaMassive ProportionsImpregnable DefenseCity DesignFunctional & BeautifulA Greek City

Alexander's plan to build his great city began with a verse from Homer's Odyssey.

"There is, in front of Egypt, in the sea with many swells, an island called Pharos."

Guided by these clues, Alexander the Great founded his future city at the western end of the Nile Delta.

Though Alexander considered this location ideal for his great city, it presented considerable challenges.

Too difficult to access during storms, the surrounding swamps threatened disease, and the limestone soil prevented the growth of healthy crops.

However, due to the influence of his mentor Aristotle, Alexander the Great recognized that the true value was its strategic emplacement.

Alexander knew that in controlling Pelusium to the east, Memphis to the south and his crowning glory, Alexandria to the west, he would create a triangular stronghold allowing him to control the entire Delta while giving him access to the Mediterranean.

The great walls of Alexandria had a humble beginning. Lacking chalk to outline the future city's foundations, architects were forced to use flour instead.

Clouds of migrating birds swept down and ate the flour, erasing the plans. This prompted Alexander to seek guidance from the oracles, who reassured him that his future city was destined to feed a large population.

Excavations led by Mahmoud bey El-Falaki in the 19th century revealed that the wall enclosure measured approximately 5.2 kilometers in length, and 2.2 kilometers in width. It was roughly 9 meters in height.

These formidable ancient walls would resist a number of attacks, including fending off the king of Syria in 169 BCE.

It wasn't until 295 CE that they eventually fell to Roman Emperor Diocletian, and this only after eight months of relentless assault.

Alexandria's principle architect, Deinokrates, chose a Hippodamian grid plan.

The grid maximized functionality, with wide straight roads and canals running beneath them.

Alexander recognized the military value of the city's design. The wide parallel streets gave him optimal surveilance of the city while allowing the unobstructed flow of troops.

A central corridor ran from the Mediterranean's north port down to Lake Mareotis to the south. This thoroughfare acted as an unobstructed link for commercial trade and travel between the two ports.

Many of the streets were bordered with grand buildings and parks, including the Canopic Street with its impressive gate bordering the eastern end.

Alexandria was most likely built upon an already existing Egyptian village.

Upon its completion, the Egyptians reviled the city, refusing to call it by its founder's name. Instead, they called it Ra-qed, "the building." as a mark of disdain, which was later Hellenized into Rhakotis.

Despite this, the name Alexandria would remain.

Alexandria: A Commercial Hub

Learn about the major economical role of Alexandria during ancient times.

A Major Commerce HubExchange HubShipyardsMareotis PortBankingLake Mareotis' Reduction

Alexandria, City of Celebration

Learn about the various forms of entertainment that existed in Alexandria.

Greek EntertainmentGames & CompetitionThe Theater of AlexandriaThe Grouch

Education in Alexandria

Essential KnowledgeSports, but not onlyInclusive Gameplay

The education of young Alexandrians did not differ from the one generally dispensed elsewhere in Ancient Greece.
At the age of seven, the child was taken in charge by a tutor, who then became responsible for instilling an elementary education, as well as good moral principles.

Teaching was generally done outside, in the open air. In the gymnasium, students were taught not only sports, but also topics such as rhetoric, philosophy, music and poetry - all things deemed essential to ones' education at the time.

(Behind the scenes) Here, both boys and girls are shown attending a class given by one of the rhetoricians of the era. The team made the choice to show both genders attending class within the context of the game world. Even though it is historically innacurate, the team felt it was not necessary to prioritize historical sexism over inclusive gameplay.

The Great Library of Alexandria

Discover the history of the greatest library in antiquity and learn about the great minds of the ancient world.

IntroductionRecreating the Great LibraryBuilding a CollectionThe Great Minds of AlexandriaSchool of ThoughtsHypatia (c. 350/370-415 CE)Kallimachos (c.310-240 BCE)Euclid (c. 4th-3rd century BCE)Eratosthenes (c.276-195 BCE)The Zodiac KrikotoiPythagoras (c.570-495 BCE)

The Mouseion of Alexandria

Learn about the Mouseion of Alexandria and its function within the city.

The MouseionUniversity of AntiquityHerophilosThe Modern Museum's Ancestor

The Serapeion of Alexandria

Learn about the Serapeion of Alexandria and its function within the city.

The SerapeionA Rich ComplexCreation of SerapisA Sanctuary

The Islands of Pharos

Learn about the Islands of Pharos, and the monuments located on the islands.

The HeptastadionSeperating PortsProtector & AqueductGreek TemplesIset FortunaThe PharosA Three Tiered SturctureA Functioning LighthouseSkyscraper of Antiquity

The Paneion

Learn abouit the Paneion of Alexandria.

In Honor of PanThe God With Cloven HoovesAn Artificial Hill

The Paneion was a temple built in honor of the god Pan, divinity of nature. This Greek god, often represented as a half-man, half-goat with a beard, horns and goat's hooves, was considered the protector of shepherds and herds.

Pan's attribute was his namesake musical instrument: the pan flute. His temples were usually located in caves and on high mountains, and were frequented by shepherds. It is likely that Mediterranean cults adopted the imagery of Pan to symbolize the Christian devil.

To give proper honor to the god, Alexandrians built an artificial hill upon which they housed his temple, to compensate for the flat relief of the city. The artificial mound had the shape of a spinning top or a pine cone, which was accessed by a spiral staircase. The top had a panoramic view of the entire city. Only such heights would be fitting for a mountain god.

The Hippodrome of Alexandria

Learn about the events held at the hippodrome.

The LageionThe TethripponDrama & Glory

The main hippodrome of the city was called the Lageion, in honor of Lagos, the ancestor of the Ptolemies.

Alexandrians were great lovers of horse racing. They were fascinated by the rivalry of these races, the agôn as it was said at that time, that every competition brought.

It was a struggle for glory.

The most important chariot race was the tethrippon. Using four horses, with the quickest harnessed to the front right, the charioteer would race for twelve laps, with sharp turns at either end of the hippodrome. The victors were crowned with garlands of olive and received prize money, but the most sought-after reward was to be acelaimed by the works of poets such as Kallimachos and Pindar.

“Ye hymns that rule the lyre! What god, what hero, aye, and what man shall we loudly praise? Verily Zeus is the lord of Pisa; and Heracles established the Olympic festival, [...) while Thêrôn must be proclaimed by reason of his victorious chariot with its four horses, Thêrôn who is just in his regard for guests, and who is the bulwark of Acragas, the choicest flower of an auspicious line of sires, whose city towers on high, (...) bringing wealth and glory to crown their native merits.”

Daily Life

Domesticated Animals of Ancient Egypt

A Very Old TraditionPetsIntroduction to CatsDogs and Family Ties

Agriculture and domesticated livestock were

introduced 6000 years ago. Archaeologists have found traces of cattle, donkeys, pigs and dogs.

Dromedary are thought to have been introduced

during the Persian invasion.

Pets were deeply cherished in ancient Egypt. Many illustrations of children often include a pet in the depiction.

One of ancient Egypt's most iconic animals, the cat, wasn't adopted into their daily Life until the Middle Kingdom. Since they were so highly capable of killing snakes and rodents, cats were present throughout every period. However, they only became pets sometime during the Middle Kingdom. Prince Thutmose, son of Amenhotep III, had his cat Ta-miu laid to rest in its own sarcophagi.

The earliest reference to dogs dates back to 5000 BCE. They were popular pets, as they helped hunters and protected herds. They were closely linked to Anubis, the jackal- headed god. Baboons, monkeys and even falcons were tamed as pets. Each was mummified and buried with as much ceremony as any family member.

Ancient Egyptian Medicine

A Blend of Science and MagicThe Ebers Medical PapyrusMedicines of the Time

Evidence of advanced medical procedures have

been found on mummies, and ancient Egyptians left detailed medical writings, from diagnosis to follow-up treatment.

One of the oldest known surgical studies is the Edwin Smith Papyrus. It's one of the first documents in history that notes an association between the integrity of the brain and cognitive functions, including cases of ocular complications and paralysis following head trauma.

Vinegar-treated marble stone from Memphis was

used as an anaesthetic.

Another similar document, the Ebers Medical Papyrus is over 20 meters long and 30 centimeters wide. It details treatments of forty- eight surgical cases and contains 877 paragraphs describing various diseases. Alongside accurate and factual scientific approaches, the papyrus has more than 700 magic formulas and incantations to ward off demons and disease. This demonstrates how ancient Egyptians believed in a harmonious balance between religion and science.

Remedies were considered as medicine, and carried by doctors and priests. Village doctors often had another job, alongside their medical duties and the preparation of medicines. A cure for blindness was made of fermented honey, ochre and kohl. The science behind it was that honey functioned as an antiseptic and antibacterial, while ochre would reduce the swelling. All of their knowledge did not always suffice. Ramses II died of an infection caused by an abscessed tooth.

Leather & Linen in Ancient Egypt

Tanning LeatherLinen FabricDyeingThe Tanneries of Fez, Morocco*

Tanning, a process which dates from prehistoric

times, was present although not highly valued in Egypt due to the heat.

Leather was reserved mainly for things such as sandals, leather bags, dagger sheaths, quivers, and other similar items.

Leopard hides, unlike regular leather, were

highly valued and usually worn by priests.

Valued for its coolness and freshness in hot weather, linen was the fiber most commontly used for fabrics and textiles. It was produced from flax, which was plentiful in Egypt. Fibers were usually dyed before weaving. While color was used in the production of textiles, dyes weren't commonly used for clothing and most Egyptians wore white. The color represented spiritual purity, a goal to reach for every day of one's mortal life.

Various shades were achieved using woad, a dye produced from the leaves of Isatis Tinctoria. The plant was cultivated for this purpose within the Nile Delta, and allowed for the creation of various colors. For example, different maceration times of the leaves would result in colors ranging from red to green, while adding in limestone shifted it to blue. During the Greco-Roman period other ingredients were found, resulting in a wider range of colors.

This area's style is strongly influenced by the dye baths and tanneries of modern day Fes, in Morocco. This helped Ubisoft envision what such locations might have been like in ancient Egypt. While this tannery is within the city walls, back then they were often found outside the city boundaries. The tanner's trade was considered off-putting by the Greeks, as all these operations resulted in noxious smells.

Wine in Ancient Egypt

A Gift From HorusWine ProductionProtected DesignationA Taste for Quality

When the god Horus lost his eye in a war with Set,

the ancient Egyptians believe the eye turned into a vine, and the vine's tears became wine.

Early texts dating back to 3150 BCE contain the hieroglyph for wine.

Regarded as extremely valuable, wine was highly sought after by the elite. It was also an essential

part of many religious ceremonies.

A millennia-old tradition, grape cultivation and wine production was regimented in the way typical of ancient Egyptian bureaucracy. Egyptians kept careful records of winemakers, which they clearly identified on labels. Every land owner with a modicum of self-respect usually kept a vineyard. This held particularly true in the regions of the Faiyum and the Nile Delta.

Documentation shows that only certain craftsfolk were allowed to provide the containers required to store and transport wine. That and rigorous quality control checks established for every step of wine production shows that ancient Egypttians knew that the quality and longevity of wine could easily be affected by any number of variables, which they paid careful attention to.

Egyptians had different kinds of wines, most of which ranged in quality from good to very good. The sweet shedeh, to which honey had been added. The soft nedjem, obtained by drying the grapes in the sun. The maa, reserved for religious cerimonies. And finally there was the paour, the mediocre-rated wine, resulting from the second pressing of grapes and reserved for a less discerning palate.

Romans

Roman Military Equipment

The Strength of RomeFoot SoldiersLegionary's EquipmentAdopting the Enemy's Technology

The strength of Rome was directly dependent on

its military supremacy, and fundamentally militaristic society.

Regular citizens, comprised mostly of farmers and herders, joined to protect their land and families.

In return for their service, members of this civic army were allowed to vote.

Trained to be highly disciplined and obedient to superior officers, citizen-soldiers developed a

deep sense of loyalty to their city.

The quality of the armor of a Roman foot soldier was intrinsically linked to his social status and wealth. Chainmail was the most commontly used type of armor. Scale armor, made famous in today's media, came into use after Caesar's time. Foot soldiers carried large and oblong shields, while the cavalry used smaller ones of Greek origin. Soldiers were expected to carry their own kit, including the tools required for the construction of forts and tents.

Roman soldiers used the same types of weapons. The stomach and face were the most targeted parts of the body. As such, a legionary was equipped with two close-combat weapons: a dagger and a short sword known as a gladius. One of the most ingenicus Roman weapons was the javelin. Its pyramid-shaped tip pierced the body, while its iron shank was designed to break upon impact, stopping the enemy from throwing it back.

During their conquests the Romans regularly transformed enemy technologies to add to their own formidable arsenal. After capturing a Carthaginian vessel, the Romans adopted its better features and constructed a superior fleet of ships. Adapting heavy artillery designs from Greek modeis aided the Romans in building catapults and ballistae. The latter became an iconic symbol of Roman warfare.

Roman Forts

The CastrumThe FortificationsSpatial OrganizationThorough Planning

The size of a Roman military camp, known as a

castrum, varied significantly depending on how many soldiers it needed to accommodate. However, they all shared common characteristics in design and construction, such as this fort

before you, located in Cape Chersonesos.

Rectangular in shape, the forts were heavily fortified by ramparts and a ditch system. The walls were reinforced with parapets, essentially an extension at the roofline which allowed a protective barrier for patrolling soldiers. Depending on the availability of materials, some forts were built with stone, timbers, stacked turf and, particularly in the eastern part of the Empire, baked brick.

Access doors on all four sides were each flanked by guard towers. The commanding officer was positioned in the middle of the camp, giving him a clear view of the troops and the main gate.

Along with sleeping barracks for the soldiers, the fort also had a granary that was expected to hold rations for a year or longer. To ensure the health of the soldiers, every camp was equipped with medical staff and a hospital. A clean water supply with conduits for a bathhouse and latrines was included in the construction of every fort.

The Forts of Cyrenaica

Ancient DefendersA Fortress of Stone*Protecting the Main Route*Roman Military Presence

Cyrenaica was a Libyan region under Roman

control, gifted to Rome by one of Cleopatra's ancestors.

The remains and foundations of ancient fortifications were discovered in the 19th century in the south-west of Cyrenaica, as well as a Roman garrison dating back to the first century CE.

Evidence shows that these forts were of Libyan origin, rebuilt and modified by Roman engineers

when Cyrenaica was part of the Empire.

Stone was the most commontly used material to build forts in Egypt and Cyrenaica. Though no real proof of a fortress similar to the one before you has been uncovered in that region, the team chose to add it as a worthy and awe- inspiring end of game challenge for the player.

The forts of Cyrenaica were intended to prevent invaders from gaining access to the main route that lead to the country's five most important cities. These forts were built close to coastal plains and deserts for added defense. Three of these cities were recreated by the team: Balagrae, Apollonia and Cyrene. Had it existed, the fort before you would have protected the road leading to Balagrae.

Other than reference to an attack around 404 CE and a military reorganization by Emperor Justinian during the 6th century CE, we still know little of the Roman military presence in Cyrenaica.

Roman Aqueducts

Water ManagementAqueductsAdvanced Construction TechniquesBringing Water to the CityCleaning the Streets

Water management was taken seriously by the

Romans. Cyrenaica benefited greatly from Roman administration, with the construction of aqueducts and canals.

The source of water varied depending on the location.

Many aqueducts were built at the foot of the mountains, offering greater flow from the

melting snow.

The ability to transport water over a greater distance increased agricultural production. Some aqueducts were reported to be over 7 kilometers in length. Where the Greeks of Libya originally focused mainly on olive trees and figs, which required less water, the advent of Roman aqueducts allowed for a far greater crop diversity. Every farm's water use was carefully scheduled.

The engineering methods used to create aqueducts were constantly reviewed, with a clear focus on exploiting the local environment. Materials, water usage, cleaning regulations and a deep understanding of how to exploit gravity itself were all important concerns. Several fortresses were built to protect the aqueducts, basins and cisterns.

Additional water was collected with wells and cisterns, but aqueducts were the main supply of fresh water. The water was distributed based on the collective needs of the city, before the private needs of an individual.

Almost all aqueducts ended in a fountain where the water circulated to clean the streets, and supply bathhouses and latrines, thus improving the cleanliness of Cyrenaica's cities.

Crucifixion

Roman Capital PunishmentA Popular EntretainmentThe CondemnedSpartacus

In terms of the severity of Roman justice,

crucifixion was at the top of the list of corporal punishment, followed by death by fire and decapitation.

The upper class considered crucifixion unworthy of their position. Those lucky enough to have Roman citizenship were also exempt from such

treatment.

Easily accessible, crucifixions were popular entertainment among the citizenry. Unlike throwing victims to wild animals, which required an arena, crucifixions did not require any particular setting.

Those subjected to crucifixion were almost always slaves, traitors and lower class citizens. Roman deserters were crucified because the betrayal of the soldiers was perceived as endangering the lives of Roman citizens.

In 71 BCE, a major slave uprising in Italia was repressed by the Roman army. This resulted in the crucifixion of 6000 men including their leader, a slave and former gladiator known as Spartacus.

Characters

Image	Name	Description
	Bayek of Siwa	Medjay. Husband to Aya of Alexandria.
	Aya of Alexandria	Trained as a medjay. Wife to Bayek of Siwa.
	Julius Caesar	Roman politician and general.
	Cleopatra VII Philopator	Descendant of Alexander the Great's general, Ptolemy I Soter. Queen of Egypt.
	William Miles	Modern day mentor. Father of Desmond Miles.
	Layla Hassan	Technical engineer. Former employee of Abstergo Industries.
	Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator	Brother-husband of Cleopatra VII Philopator. Pharaoh of Egypt.
	Khemu of Siwa	Son of Aya and Bayek.
	Shadya of Euhemeria	Egyptian. Daughter to Hotephres and Khenut.
	Reda the Merchant	Egyptian. Nomadic merchant.
	Hasina of Yamu	Daughter of Menehet, an old friend of Bayek.
	Actor	One of the famed actors of ancient Egypt, in costume.
	Egyptian Woman	Wearing clothing typical of the common Egyptian folk of the era.
	Egyptian Nobleman	Wearing clothing typical of the nobility of Ancient Egypt.
	Egyptian Noblewoman	Wearing clothing typical of the nobility of Ancient Egypt.
	Roman Soldier	Wearing clothing typical of Roman soldiers of the era.
	Greek Nobleman	Wearing clothing typical of the Greek nobility of the era.
	Greek Noblewoman	Wearing clothing typical of the Greek nobility of the era.
	Greek Man	Wearing clothing typical of the common Greek folk of the era.
	Greek Woman	Wearing clothing typical of the common Greek folk of the era.
	Ptolemaic Soldier	Wearing clothing typical of Egyptian soldiers of the era.
	Bayek with Egyptian Hedj	Wearing hedj clothing, a more distinguished though still practical outfit. Hedj means "white".
	Bayek with Egyptian Irtyu	Wearing irtyu clothing, favored by the nobles. Irtyu means "blue".
	Bayek with Egyptian Narok	Wearing the robe of an elder Maasai warrior.
	Bayek as a Persian Commander	Purple is the color of leaders, feared by their enemies.

Timeline

Timeline

Gallery

Promotional mediaScreenshotsVideos

• Discovery Tour Ancient Egypt
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• File:Assassin’s Creed Origins The Discovery Tour - Launch Trailer

References

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