One of the sub-branches of Nizari Ismailism, the largest branch of Ismailis, was known as "The Assassins."
They were a secret order of professional assassins led by "The Old Man of the Mountain." If you've watched Marco Polo, the Netflix series, then you've encountered them.
They were a secret order of professional assassins led by "The Old Man of the Mountain." If you've watched Marco Polo, the Netflix series, then you've encountered them.
In the 3 centuries of its power, the secret order killed two caliphs, several sultans, many viziers, and an unknown number of Crusaders.
Legend has it that the great Saladin withdrew from his siege on The Assasins after finding a poisoned dagger and a note in his tent.
Legend has it that the great Saladin withdrew from his siege on The Assasins after finding a poisoned dagger and a note in his tent.
They were known, derogatorily it seems because they raised havoc on Islamic dynasties and Crusader kingdoms alike, as the "hashishin."
They were destroyed by the Mongols, but a few did survive in successive states and continued doing murder for hire.
They were destroyed by the Mongols, but a few did survive in successive states and continued doing murder for hire.
