Assassin Tombs

Darius' sarcophagus inside Santa Maria Novella.

Assassin Tombs were hidden tombs located across northern Italy between 1290 and 1476 C.E. There were six tombs built by members of the Assassin Order as dedications to the lives of their residents. These tombs held the bodies of six legendary Assassins that had been exhumed and moved from their previous burial sites.

Each crypt contained a wealth of treasure, and a statue of the Assassin who lay within the tomb. Inside each tomb lay an Assassin Seal, which, when brought together with the other five, unlocked a secure gate in the Sanctuary, beneath the Villa Auditore. Beyond the gate, the legendary Armor of Altaïr could be accessed.

Location of the tombs

The tombs were hidden within various churches and landmarks across a number of towns and cities in northern Italy, namely Florence, Venice, San Gimignano and Forlì.

Florence and San Gimignano

Ezio entering the Santa Maria Novella tomb.

There were three tombs within the regions of Florence and Tuscany. The first was located within the catacombs of the Santa Maria Novella, and was discovered by the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze in 1478, while he was trying to eavesdrop on a Templar meeting. This tomb was the resting place of Darius, slayer of Xerxes I of Persia.

The second lay in the Santa Maria del Fiore, within the lanterna above the building's domed top. Here rested Iltani, who was responsible for the death of Alexander the Great.

The third tomb was within San Gimignano, and was built atop the Torre Grossa, although entrance to the tomb was only possible by passing through the city's Palazzo Comunale below. This tomb was the resting place of Wei Yu, who had assassinated the Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.

Forlì and Venice

The secret entrance's mechanism in use.

Within the territories of Romagna and the Venetian lagoon, three more tombs were built. In Forlì, beneath the Rocca di Ravaldino, lay the tomb of Qulan Gal, the deathbringer of Genghis Khan.

The other two lay in Venice; within the district of San Marco, beneath the eponymous named Basilica di San Marco, rested Amunet, who had been responsible for the death of Cleopatra. The final tomb was beneath the Santa Maria della Visitazione, which held the body of Leonius, killer of Caligula.

Monteriggioni

Built in Monteriggioni during the late 13th century, the Auditore Family Crypt was constructed by Domenico Auditore to serve as the resting place of Domenico and his son. The story of Domenico's life was inscribed across the walls along the pathway, from the main entrance until the crypt itself.

Armor of Altaïr

Main article: Armor of Altaïr

Ezio obtaining the Armor of Altaïr

Obtaining all Assassin's Seals unlocked Altaïr's armor, a suit of armor with the highest defense obtainable. Altaïr created the armor using the Apple of Eden, to make it invulnerable towards many weapons and dangers. Dyes purchaseable from tailors are not visible upon the armor, save on the inside of the hood.

This armor was later buried in the rubble of Villa Auditore during the Siege of Monteriggioni, when Cesare Borgia ordered an attack on the small town.

See also

• Secret Locations

Sources

• Assassin's Creed II