Assassins: The Story of Medieval Islam's Secret Sect

by W.B. Bartlett

The Assassins are among the most compelling figures of medieval history, with a reputation as drug-crazed fanatics who murdered their enemies and terrorised the medieval world. Since the colourful tales of Marco Polo, the myths surrounding them have been wildly exaggerated and the truth has become ever more obscure. This new book separates fact from fiction and shows that the Assassins of history are just as interesting as the Assassins of legend. The group first appeared in the late eleventh century as an offshoot of the Ismaili sect of Islam. They called themselves Nizaris but to some other Muslims they were 'hashishiyyum', a derogatory term meaning 'hashish taker'. Usually based in mountain fortresses, over the next two centuries they spread from Persia into Syria, central Asia and India, using assassination as only one of a number of methods of achieving their aims. Widely loathed and feared, they were especially threatening because they had no fear of death. If they were to die in the execution of their mission they were hailed as martyrs and promised eternal life in a secret garden of paradise. Indeed, most of the assassinations they carried out were suicide missions, usually committed in public in broad daylight and with little opportunity for the Assassin to escape. Often, he would befriend his intended victim months beforehand and then, once trust had been established, he would suddenly strike - servant or friend turned killer. W. B. Bartlett's pacy narrative follows the history of the group with special reference to the Alamut period (1093-1256). Fascinatingly, he shows how their history and mythology have been developed over time through the writings of Western chroniclers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Islam

316 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

W.B. Bartlett has worked across the globe in almost twenty countries and has spent time in over fifty. He is the author of many history books for Amberley Publishing, including titles on the Titanic, Medieval History and Dam Busters. He lives in Bournemouth.

Reviews

[Anatolikon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid, highly-readable, no-nonsense history of the Ismaili Nizaris that covers both their activities in Syria and in Persia.

[Khairul Hezry · Rating 3 out of 5]

They are known by a misnomer given to them by Western chroniclers who saw the Nizari Ismailis, a sect within the Shia, as secretive, ghostly killers who can strike anyone at anytime. They were not the first ones to use assasination to get rid of rivals of course but the Nizaris were the first to make it their standard policy. No one was exempted. If you were seen as a threat to them, the Nizaris would send a 'suicide squad' to rid of you. Their assassins exclusively used knives, forcing the killings to be up close and personal and almost always done in public. This was done for shock and awe but it also meant that the assassins more often than not would not escape. This was not a problem as dying after completing a mission would guarantee martydom, they believed.

As exciting as the the title sounds, the book is jam-packed with historical detail (great research, Mr. author) that can make it too heavy for casual reading. Nevertheless, lovers of medieval history or history of Islam would find this book fascinating. It does its job by lifting the veil over the secretive order of Assassins who became so because they were constantly outnumbered and targeted by everyone including their own Shia brethren. Politics, eh?

[Ajee · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story about the Nizari sect of Islam. A well written & balanced account of medieval history.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned more about the nuances of the Muslim faith, its history, parallels with Christianity, and a great deal of expanded historical context of the middle east starting from about 800 to present day. It connects a lot of timeline events in a cohesive fashion, following the progress of the the religious movements and their impact on the region, as well as Africa and parts of asia minor. Its a bit dry - thats the only drawback, but if you can get through that presentation and delve into the events, personas, and well explained historical ripples its a fascinating read. And it definitely accomplishes what the author stated up front - it dispels the "myth" of the assassin label and presents the sect in the light of truth - in so much as it can be known from historical documents and historians writings from the time.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know how violent the origins of Islam were. Excellent history of the Nizaris, the type of book that sets you out on the trail of other historical characters. many insights into Islam and helps one to understand some of today's problems ie. Shiite & Sunni.

[Kostina Prifti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fact-rich historical account of the story of the Ismailis, a sect of Islam that lived in Persia and Syria until the Mongol invasion. In the west they are not very popular, although many people would recognize the term that the crusaders coined to refer to these people: Assassins (originally meaning "hashish-eaters" or hashashuns, but later correlated to the Ismailis' talent for being able to murder their political and religious enemies in covert ways).

The most interesting information in the story for me was how the Ismailis managed to preserve and protect their religious beliefs and disbeliefs for so long, in a territory rich with wars and invasions. Their cleverness to pick few strongholds, along with their military talents, were surely part of this success. Other reasons were perhaps more external, related to the divisions within Islam and within the territories of Middle East of that time.

It is worth stating that the book is written as a scientific monograph, and while in many times that becomes burdensome for purposes of a casual reading, it was nevertheless highly appreciated.

[Scott Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

The information is fascinating but the writing is generally poor though perhaps I am being unfair because of recently read Runciman and John Julius Norwich. I'll certainly make use of the bibliography to search out other authors on the subject.

[Lisa]

Up to page 150 very interesting dimension to a period of history I am fascinated about.