Calicut

Calicut is a city located in the state of Kerala, India.

History

By the 15th century, Calicut had become a major trading hub for exotic spices and was ruled by a monarch known as the Samoothiri. The Assassins established a guild there to keep an eye on the harbor and the rulers who had taken interest in India.

Manuel I of Portugal, a ruler influenced by the Templar Order and the Borgia, had also taken interest in India and sent Pedro Álvares Cabral to Calicut with a fleet. It became clear that the Portuguese soldiers were not in Calicut for the spices, but to find and destroy the local Assassin Guild. The Italian Assassin leader Ezio Auditore da Firenze sent recruits to assist the guild, and the Assassins started razing the Portuguese shops and storehouses.

In the chaos that followed, the Assassins poisoned Cabral's most important soldiers, resulting in their death within minutes. Out of the thirteen ships that had traveled to Calicut, only four managed to sail back to Portugal. Through interrogation, the Assassins discovered that Manuel had indeed been after them and even knew the location of their Guild.

When he learned of the Assassins' actions, Manuel sent Vasco da Gama to India, with a fleet of 800 men. The Assassins tried to evacuate the city, but the citizens would not listen. Upon Gama's arrival, he demanded the expulsion of all Muslims, knowing how much violence this would bring.

The Assassins called upon the citizens to obtain clothes and then planned an attack on the Portuguese captains. Knowing that stealth would not be effective in this situation, they attacked the guards and stabbed each one multiple times, sending a clear message to Portugal. Ultimately, Manuel lost his grip over Calicut, allowing the Assassins to continue operating in the city.

Gallery

• 
  Calicut during the day
• 
  Cabral's fleet

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Initiates (mentioned in Database entry only)