Top 5 Assassination Missions Of our Ancient World

The most lethal special forces during the Medieval era were undoubtedly the Assassins. Skilled in the art of disguise, masters of stealth, and experts in psychological warfare, they struck fear into the hearts of their enemies. Originating in Persia amidst the Sunni-Shiite divide and religious turmoil within Islam, the Assassins, led by Hassan, faced insurmountable odds. The Eagle's Nest, their stronghold, was a natural fortress that proved difficult to breach. Resorting to asymmetric warfare, Hassan made the bold decision to eliminate the leader of his Sunni adversaries. Various stabbing and slashing weapons, including concealed stilettos for close combat, were showcased and analyzed. Modern slashing and stabbing weapons with curved blades, strong guards, and versatile movements were also discussed. Through meticulous training, Hassan's assassin successfully assassinated Nisam Al mul, infiltrating undetected by posing as a holy man. This victory marked a significant achievement for Hassan's forces, solidifying their reputation as formidable warriors. The legend of the drug-crazed assassins emerged, with Muslims and Western Christians recounting tales of young killers manipulated by malevolent leaders, enticed by promises of potions and pleasure gardens.

The term 'hashish', associated with the assassins, eventually evolved into 'assassin', perpetuating the myth of Hassan's Special Forces as drug-fueled killers engaged in a religious war against Muslim foes and Crusaders. Charismatic leader Rashid Alin Sin, possessing supernatural qualities, targeted Saladin, the Sunni leader, due to his perceived threat and orthodox beliefs. The Ismaeli Assassins meticulously gathered intelligence and recruited agents in Syria's bustling cities, infiltrating Saladin's ranks disguised as soldiers. By blending in and strategically placing individuals in trusted positions, the Assassins initiated a psychological battle, even embedding a sleeper cell within Saladin's bodyguard. San utilizes psychological tactics to negotiate with Saladin, instilling fear by leaving a note with the Assassin's signature dagger. This strategy proves effective as Saladin agrees to commence negotiations. Sinan, the Assassin, infiltrates Conrad's stronghold with disguised men, deploying a Sleeper Cell whose operatives seamlessly blend into the surroundings. The Assassins adopt the guise of Christian monks to gain Conrad's confidence, successfully earning his trust as he ascends to the position of the next Crusader King. Employing their traditional methods of charm, reliability, and skill, the Assassins prepare to carry out their mission to eliminate Conrad. Despite facing formidable adversaries over the centuries, the Assassins have persevered. San deliberately conceals the true narrative to perpetuate the mystique surrounding the Assassins. The Ismaeli faith has endured for nearly two centuries against all odds.

The Viking raid on Lindisfarne monastery shocks the monks as the ruthless invaders pillage treasures and take lives. Some monks are captured and enslaved, marking the onset of the Viking Age. Viking longships, renowned for their speed and versatility, can reach up to 15 knots using a combination of sails and oars. Designed for easy beaching and swift escapes with plunder, these vessels are crucial to Viking raiding expeditions. The Vikings' raiding tactics emphasize speed, aggression, and surprise, key elements of their success. Meticulous planning, intelligence, and strategic foresight are integral to their attacks, ensuring a swift retreat and guarding against potential threats. Employing brutal methods to instill fear and compliance, the Vikings resort to murder and torture for information extraction. The Berserkers, an elite Viking warrior group, are revered for their ferocity and fearlessness in battle. Viking Berserkers are esteemed as elite, fearless combatants. Professional warriors during the Viking era were members of a king's war band, renowned for their terrifying behavior and unique battle preparations. They were known to use drugs to enhance their performance in battle. Historical records show instances of drug use among soldiers during World War II and the Vietnam War. Berserkers, in particular, were known to consume toxic drugs to enter an intense and angry state, giving them almost superhuman strength. Some studies suggest that Vikings may have used magic mushrooms to induce battle fury, possibly diluting the toxins by drinking urine. These mushrooms could have been used in Viking ceremonies to increase strength and aggression. Berserkers were feared for their formidable and intimidating presence, especially among ordinary peasants.

They were known for raiding and attacking small towns and villages, pillaging and slaughtering entire communities before settling in conquered lands. Vikings were able to extend their raiding season to 9 months by winter protection of ramparts, establishing a vast trading empire that spanned from Iceland to the Mediterranean and from Newland to Constantinople. Norwegian King Harold Hardrada famously led a Viking army to capture York as part of his political ambitions. One Berserker, facing an entire army, consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms to feel invulnerable and buy time for his comrades against the Anglo-Saxons. The Viking Age came to an end with the spread of Christianity, which neutralized the aggression of Berserkers through conversion. As Scandinavians converted to Christianity, the Viking tradition eroded. In a notable event, Basil sold his sister to Vladimir the Great for security and warriors. Vladimir, who descended from Swedish Vikings, led The Rose and embodied the ruthless traits of a Viking through his actions and decisions. The Viking Russ mercenaries, also known as Varangians, were highly skilled in the use of deadly weapons such as long axes and spears. Their weapon of choice was the famous Dane axe, which had a single blade up to a foot long and was capable of delivering lethal blows. In addition to this, they were proficient in using double-edged swords and spears, which were easy to carry, inexpensive to make, and effective in battle situations.

Constantinople, situated in the Byzantine Empire, was a perilous and politically intricate city. It was a maze of political power struggles and maneuvers, leading to a general atmosphere of suspicion among its inhabitants. Basil II cleverly employed the Varangian Guard as both protectors and assassins to avoid the fate of his predecessors. The Varangian Guard was known for its harsh methods of punishment and entertainment in Byzantine Constantinople. They resorted to using acid to intimidate and blind criminals, as well as mutilating them by cutting off noses and ears and even forcing them to consume human waste. Castration was a common form of punishment, and they were known to adorn their bodies with tattoos. The emperor utilized the Varangians differently, keeping them in reserve to maintain control and issue commands during battles. He would deploy them as shock troops when the fighting was at its most intense, showcasing their bravery and tactical prowess. The Varangian Guard played a significant role in Emperor Basil II's Golden Age by securing victories and expanding influence. They were handsomely rewarded, enjoying wealth and various benefits such as food, weapons, and bonuses. Harald, a prototypical Viking, was determined to reclaim his crown after witnessing the death of his brother, King Olaf, which fueled his ambition. He was recruited as a mercenary by Kyiv's ruler, Prince Yaroslav I, and became a crucial asset in establishing authority for Zoe and Michael IV. Harald brought reliability, effectiveness, and strategic skills to the new rulers. Michael aims to expand the Empire's reach to Sicily for its strategic significance. Harold employs clever tactics in seizing cities. To cover his tracks, Harold scatters soil into a stream to wash away evidence. He executes a surprise attack during the enemy's evening meal, emerging through the Limestone floor to capture the city. Harold achieves victory through a well-thought-out strategy. His burial request sets a deadly trap for his foes, resulting in the Vikings' triumph. Harold utilizes intelligence and keen observation to conquer a heavily fortified fort in a strategic maneuver. The Varangian Guard, molded by Harold Hrada and Basil II, are elite warriors. Under Harold Hrada and Basil II, the Varangian Guard's golden years establish them as one of the most successful special forces in history. Varangians are seen as trailblazers, adventurers, and noble fighters embodying a legacy of triumph through intellect, strength, and perseverance.

The Aztecs were born warriors, raised to be ruthless conquerors. They brutally subjugate Central America through intimidation and violence. Boys are trained from a young age to become fierce and skilled fighters. Human sacrifice is a core belief among the Aztecs, serving spiritual and political purposes. Eagle Warriors form the elite Special Forces of the Aztec Empire, trained to capture enemies. Warrior masculinity is a key aspect of Aztec identity, with entry into the ranks being highly selective and based on capturing foes. Eagle Warriors wield obsidian weapons for lethal and incapacitating purposes. They use obsidian-tipped arms to render enemies immobile. Obsidian is utilized to craft sharp and deadly weapons like the Maquahuitl and arrowheads. The Aztec emperor harbors fears of an impending catastrophe. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors was met with shock and terror by the Aztec Eagle Warriors, who considered the unfamiliar weapons and creatures as a threat. Emperor Montezuma sought a spiritual explanation for the arrival of the Intruders, relating it to a portent from Heaven. The Spaniards were welcomed with the best offerings and hospitality, but tensions rose as Cortez led armed deputations and sought revenge for Aztec killings. The situation escalated further when Cortez kidnapped Emperor Montezuma to maintain control, leading to rebellion and turmoil in the city. The Eagle Warriors eventually replaced Cortez as the leader, leading to a standoff in the palace and a successful defeat of the Spanish Conquistadors. The Aztec victory at the N triste was a major tactical success, showcasing the skills of the Eagle Warriors in unconventional warfare and espionage. Their distinctive strategies involved gathering intelligence, infiltrating, and using unconventional warfare to accomplish missions that samurai were unable to achieve. Hatori Hanzo rose to become a feared and respected ninja general under Yasu's leadership. He initiated an intelligence-gathering campaign by employing traditional Shinobi techniques and skills. Jason Williams provides his perspective on the challenges of intelligence gathering, drawing from his time with the SAS in Iraq and Afghanistan. The ninja successfully infiltrates the castle using Shinobi tools, cutting through walls with specialized AO tools for stealthy entry. They evade soldiers and rescue hostages utilizing classic Shinobi methods.

Iga, Japan is recognized as the home of the finest ninjas. The people of Iga are resilient mountain dwellers with a strong sense of independence, and their ninjas are renowned as the best in Japan. The ninja skills practiced by the men of Iga have been honed over centuries by incorporating physical strength, swordsmanship, and tactical knowledge from ancient China. It is crucial to avoid casting a silhouette and to remain aware of one's surroundings. By eliminating shadows and staying vigilant of their environment, ninjas can evade detection. The historical importance and obstacles faced by ninjas in the late 1500s are significant. Nobukatsu's fatal mistakes in invading enemy territory were costly. He underestimated his opponent and made fundamental errors in planning and reconnaissance. Nobukatsu's lack of experience and impulsive actions resulted in a grave error when entering unfamiliar territory. Assassinating Nobunaga is considered the most challenging ninja mission. The ninja must infiltrate a heavily fortified castle. Nobunaga must be taken by surprise and outwitted through clever strategies.

The use of innovative tactics involving toxic substances for assassination has been unsuccessful so far, as Nobunaga's tasters can detect poisoned water before it reaches him. Gyon is now planning to use wolfsbane, a highly toxic substance, to carry out the assassination. Nobunaga's ruthless tactics against the ninjas have forced them to resort to using caltrops to slow down pursuers and shuriken as a last resort. The brutal orders issued by Nobunaga have resulted in the massacre and displacement of the IGA ninjas. The assassination of Nobunaga has thrown Japan into political chaos, leading to a power struggle in the country. Warlord Tokugawa Yasu now finds himself in a perilous situation and must navigate through hostile territory to make it back home safely.