Chapter 13
DYING FOR GOD: THE
ASSASSINS—PAST AND PRESENT
By the eleventh century, a new and unusual state arose in the Arab Empire.
This state was formed by one Hasan-as-Sabah, a Shia Syrian mullah and
convert to the Ismaili sect of Islam. Hasan’s accomplishment, one that has
entered both our history and our language, was the foundation of the order
of Hashishyun—or Assassins.
With the support of the Egyptian Fatimids, Hasan built his base in
Khorassan, or northeastern Iran. From this fortified base—known as the
Eagle’s Nest—he began a career of political murder against his foes, the
Seljuq Turks and Abbasid caliphs of Baghdad. The Assassins were his
chief weapon.
In fact, the Assassins, with their unmatched fervor, were his only real
offensive weapon. Like all other rulers in what was an essentially medieval
state, Hasan had soldiers as well, but they were deployed only to protect
his holdings. Thus, whenever possible Hasan employed what must be
considered the most efficient type of warfare possible. By striking with
carefully trained murderers he could keep his enemies off guard and at
bay. A particular plus to this style of warfare is that it spends few fighting
men and little treasure. Conventional forces normally require thousands
of men and great economic effort to upset an opposing government. Hasan
learned to do the same thing with a handful.
InA.D. 1092 the Assassins implemented their political assassination
with the murder of Nizam. Nizam was one of the main supporters of the