Famous Assasins of the Middle Ages

Assassination was a big deal in the Middle Ages. It happened a lot and it had a big impact on history. Assassins had different reasons for doing what they did. Some did it for money, some for power, and some for religious or political reasons. They used various methods like poison, stabbing, or even ambushes to carry out their missions.

In our blog, we’ll talk about some famous assassins from history. There’s the Order of Assassins who were skilled at hiding and striking at the right moment. Then there’s Richard le Breton, involved in a high-profile assassination in England. 

We’ll also explore the Shinobi from Japan, the mysterious Hashshashin, and even some lesser-known female assassins who changed the course of history. Keep reading to uncover their stories!

1. Order of Assassins (Nizari Isma’ilis, 11th-13th centuries):

The Order of Assassins was a group from the Middle Ages. They followed the Nizari Isma’ili sect of Islam. They had their own special ways of training their members, teaching them how to be sneaky and skillful in carrying out their missions.

Their way of doing things was pretty unique. They often targeted important people like political leaders or enemies of their faith. By taking out these targets, they tried to change the political situations of their time.

Many stories and rumours have been told about the Order of Assassins. Some say they were invincible and had magical powers. But a lot of these stories aren’t true. They were just very good at what they did.

Their actions had a big impact on politics in the Middle East. Some rulers were afraid of them, and their reputation made them influential. However, they eventually lost power as other forces grew stronger in the region.

2. Richard le Breton (England, 12th century):

In England during the 12th century, there was a big event called the assassination of Thomas Becket. It happened in a time when the church and the king were fighting for power. Thomas Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he stood up for the church’s rights against the king, Henry II.

Some people, including Richard le Breton, thought Becket was too stubborn and causing trouble. They wanted to stop him. So, they made a plan to kill him.

The assassination happened in Canterbury Cathedral, where Becket was praying. Richard le Breton and his friends found him and attacked him. It was a bold move because killing a church leader was a big deal back then.

After Becket’s death, people had different opinions about Richard le Breton. Some saw him as a hero standing up to the church’s power, while others thought he was a villain for killing a religious figure.

Even today, people still debate about Richard le Breton’s role in history. Some see him as a symbol of loyalty to the king, while others think of him as a murderer who acted against justice. His legacy remains a subject of discussion and interpretation.

4. Shinobi (Medieval Japan):

Long ago, in Japan, there were special warriors known as Shinobi. They had their beginnings in the feudal era of Japan, where wars and conflicts were common. These warriors were skilled in secrecy and worked in the shadows.

The Shinobi were not just about assassination. They were experts in many things like spying and causing trouble for their enemies. They could gather information without being noticed and disrupt their enemy’s plans without getting caught.

‘Over time, the image of the Shinobi changed in popular culture. In olden days, they were seen as mysterious and dangerous figures. But as time passed, they became heroes in stories and movies. People admired their skills and cunning, making them legendary figures in Japanese folklore and beyond.’Over time, the image of the Shinobi changed in popular culture. In olden days, they were seen as mysterious and dangerous figures. But as time passed, they became heroes in stories and movies. People admired their skills and cunning, making them legendary figures in Japanese folklore and beyond.

5. Femme Fatales of Assassination (Across various cultures):

When it comes to cruelty, it’s men who are always talked about. However, in the medieval era, women played significant roles too.

Take, for example, Judith and Jael from the Bible. They used clever tricks to take down their enemies. Judith pretended to befriend an enemy leader, then took him out when he least expected it. Jael used her charm to lure a general into her tent, only to surprise him with a fatal blow.

It’s essential to understand that women weren’t just passive observers in history. They had their own reasons and motivations for getting involved in dangerous plots. Sometimes they did it for power or to protect their families.

The way women assassins are portrayed in stories can be complicated. They’re often seen as either seductive temptresses or heartless villains. But the truth is more than that. Women, just like men, had diverse motivations and faced unique challenges.

Conclusion:

Looking back, medieval assassins had many different reasons for what they did and used various methods to achieve their goals. They left a mark on history by changing political landscapes and shaping the course of events.

Thinking about assassination in the Middle Ages, we can’t ignore the ethical and philosophical questions it raises. Was it ever justified to take a life for political gain? These are tough questions that people still debate today.

Exploring the world of medieval assassins can be fascinating and helps us understand the complexities of the past. There’s so much more to learn about these assassins and the impact they had on the world around them. Keep exploring, and you’ll uncover even more intriguing stories from history.

Dive into more such articles as we continue journeying through the past together: “JAMES DOUGLAS: THE GREAT SCOTTISH HERO AND THE FEARED KNIGHT” and “EDWARD THE BLACK PRINCE OF WALES“