Assassin Tombs
The Assassin's Tombs were six tombs hidden across northern Italy between 1290 and 1476 C.E. by members of the Assassin's Order. The tombs, created as dedications to the lives of their residents, held the bodies of six legendary Assassins that were 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's Seal, which, when brought together with the other five, unlocked a secure gate in the Sanctuary, beneath the Villa Auditore; that held the Armor of Altaïr.
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.
Firenze and San Gimignano
There were three tombs within the region of 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. 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 Venezia
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.
In Venice lay two more; 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
Obtaining all Assassin's Seals unlocked Altaïr's armor, the highest quality of armor obtainable. Altaïr created the armor using the Apple of Eden to be invulnerable towards many weapons and dangers. Dyes 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
Sources