Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Baghdad in Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Baghdad

A Historical Journey Through the City Round of Baghdad

The Assassin’s Creed series of video games developed by Ubisoft is known for its historical accuracy. The upcoming installment, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, set to be released on October 5th, is no exception. This time, players will have the opportunity to roam (and pillage) the markets, hammams, and mosques of a reimagined 9th-century Baghdad, thanks in large part to the efforts of historian Raphaël Weyland.

Weyland, who joined the team at Ubisoft Montreal a year and a half ago, faced a monumental task. He had very little to work with in terms of historical references for building the open-world of Mirage. The Baghdad of the 9th century no longer exists; it has been destroyed by the ravages of time, Mongol invasions, and modern development. Boulevards have been constructed, replacing the period houses, much like what has occurred in Montreal’s Old Port.

As an historian, Weyland had to delve into minute details such as the colors of clothing, the way people walked, and even the way they counted (ending with the thumb). These are questions rarely pondered in historical research, but crucial for creating an immersive gaming experience.

Tracing History’s Footsteps

Fortunately, there are still enough traces of ancient Baghdad to recreate a believable rendition in Mirage. Weyland drew inspiration from sources such as song lyrics and biographies of popular singers from Baghdad, many of whom were women. These songs, for example, provide insights into how one person managed to mock their rival, offering developers a glimpse into potential interactions between characters.

However, it was the accounts of travelers that proved to be invaluable for Weyland. Over the centuries, many individuals journeyed to the City Round and provided descriptions of what the city, its hammams, mosques, harems, and even the poultry sellers’ district looked like.

The City Round was one of the largest cities in the world and attracted countless visitors, according to Weyland. Its cultural influence spread far and wide, with objects from Baghdad, collected by Viking merchants, even being discovered in Ireland.

Weyland remarks that people from different backgrounds came together in Baghdad, each bringing their artistic sensibilities, language, and materials. It was a diverse and vibrant city that served as a source of inspiration for many.

A Multilingual Melting Pot

Mirage reflects this multiculturalism, particularly in the bustling grand bazaar. Weyland reveals that in 9th-century Baghdad, it was not uncommon to hear court officials speaking two or three languages, even though the empire’s administration was in Arabic. Persian, Greek, and Aramaic are just a few of the languages players will encounter in the game. There is even a character speaking Hebrew and another speaking Chinese, creating a cacophony of sounds reminiscent of Weyland’s experiences in the Middle East.

The grand bazaar was a labor-intensive endeavor, but the level of research required to name horses was not to be underestimated. Weyland eventually discovered an 8th-century poem about a grand horse race that provided a list of horse names. Among them were “Victorious” and “Lame,” conveying the unusual belief that giving a horse a bad name would bring it good fortune.

Collaborative Historical Reconstruction

Weyland did not embark on this journey alone. He collaborated with academics and museum professionals to gain insights into the ceramics, pottery styles, and even currency used during that era.

Although Weyland’s expertise lies in the Middle East, he was surprised to discover the immense influence that the City Round of Baghdad had and continues to have. Its legacy can still be found today in works such as “The Book of One Thousand and One Nights,” written in the 9th century, which Weyland now reads to his child. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, there is even a side quest inspired by the story of Ali Baba, although it is not included in the original work.

Creative Filling of Historical Gaps

Sometimes, historical research alone is not enough, and creativity must come into play to fill in the gaps on the game map. When the team is uncertain or lacks the means to gain certain information, deduction becomes necessary. Weyland asserts that creativity serves both gameplay and artistic direction.

For example, the city is divided into several districts, including a scientific and commercial district, although this might not have been historically accurate. However, the placement of the mosque, a prominent feature, is accurate. The color of the domes in the game might not be historically authentic, but it aids players in their navigation and orientation. Additionally, the game features the Dur-Kurigalzu temple, which technically does not belong in the City Round, as it dates back 2,000 years before Baghdad. Nevertheless, it serves as a symbol of the region’s history and the enduring presence of past civilizations.

Rather than offering an educational version devoid of violence, as in recent Assassin’s Creed games, Mirage will include interactive explanatory materials within the game world. Players who discover all 66 symbols will receive a special reward, emphasizing the commitment to providing educational content in an engaging manner.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be released on October 5th for PC and Xbox One and Series consoles, as well as PlayStation 4 and 5. The game will also be available on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models in 2024.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Mirage promises to offer players an immersive and historically authentic experience of 9th-century Baghdad. Ubisoft’s commitment to meticulous research, collaboration with experts, and creative storytelling have resulted in a game that not only entertains but also educates. As players journey through the rich tapestry of ancient Baghdad, they will gain insights into a city that was once a cultural hub and a melting pot of languages, ideas, and artistic expression. As Weyland states, “C’était une ville cool” – Baghdad was a cool city indeed.