How ‘Assassin’s Creed’ Recreates Lost Landmarks
The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series is known for its stunning historical accuracy, bringing ancient cities and iconic landmarks to life. While many of these structures still stand today, some of the most impressive recreations in the games depict lost landmarks—architectural wonders that have vanished due to time, war, or natural disasters. Through meticulous research and expert design, ‘Assassin’s Creed’ offers players a glimpse into what these lost landmarks might have looked like in their prime.
The Library of Alexandria – ‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’
One of history’s greatest intellectual centers, the Library of Alexandria was said to house hundreds of thousands of scrolls before its destruction. Since no concrete descriptions of its structure exist, Ubisoft had to rely on historical interpretations to recreate it in ‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’.
How the Game Recreates It: The library is depicted as a grand, multi-story building filled with towering bookshelves, scholars, and an atmosphere of learning. The game’s version is based on Greek and Egyptian architectural styles, blending history with artistic interpretation.
Historical Significance: The library symbolized the peak of knowledge in the ancient world, and its destruction remains one of history’s great tragedies. Origins allows players to explore its halls as if it still stood, offering a rare chance to experience a lost treasure of antiquity.
The Colossus of Rhodes – ‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes was a massive bronze statue that stood at the entrance of the harbor in Rhodes. It was destroyed by an earthquake around 226 BCE, leaving historians to speculate about its exact appearance.
How the Game Recreates It: In ‘Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’, the Colossus is depicted as an enormous, imposing figure standing proudly at the city’s port, evoking its legendary status. While historical accuracy is debated (some believe the statue didn’t actually straddle the harbor), the game’s version aligns with popular artistic interpretations.
Historical Significance: The Colossus was a symbol of Rhodes’ strength and resilience. By including it in Odyssey, the game lets players experience what it might have been like to see one of the ancient world’s greatest marvels before its destruction.
Other Lost Landmarks in Assassin’s Creed
Beyond these two icons, the series has reconstructed several other long-gone landmarks, giving players the chance to explore history in ways that books and ruins cannot.
Babylon’s Hanging Gardens (Assassin’s Creed Mirage) – While the game doesn’t confirm their existence, it references the grandeur of these mythical gardens.
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus (Assassin’s Creed Odyssey) – One of the Seven Wonders, depicted in its full glory before being destroyed.
Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria (Assassin’s Creed Origins) – A towering structure that once guided sailors but was eventually lost to earthquakes.
Bringing History to Life
Ubisoft’s historical teams work with historians, archaeologists, and architects to piece together how these lost landmarks might have appeared. By filling in the gaps with research and artistic vision, ‘Assassin’s Creed’ allows players to step into lost worlds and experience history in ways that traditional education cannot provide.
The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series isn’t just about stealth and action—it’s a time machine that revives long-lost wonders. By bringing back landmarks like the Library of Alexandria and the Colossus of Rhodes, the games preserve history in an interactive and immersive way, making the past feel alive again.
Also Read: The Most Realistic Historical Landmarks in ‘Assassin’s Creed’
–Silviya.Y
