The History of the Assassins, Derived from Oriental Sources

This work presents a valuable history of the Assassins. Powerful in Persia and Syria from the 11th to mid 13th century, the Assassins were a nonconforming sect of Shiite Muslims. They remained influential till their defeat at the hands of the Mongols during the mid-13th century. They stayed secure in their fortified hilltop castles and became infamous for their technique of singling out opposition figures and killing them, mainly in knife-wielding teams. The group was called the Assassins by their rivals because of their use of hashish. Austrian orientalist and historian Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall presents an accurate and detailed account of the events concerning this mysterious group. This work results from his devoted study of Oriental history and philology. It's a well-written history where the author covers crucial subjects and critical timelines, including the foundation of the Order of the Assassins, and Reign of the first Grand-Master, Hassan Sabah; the reign of Kia Busurgomid, and of his son, Mohammed; the reign of Hassan II., son of Mohammed, son of Busurgomid, surnamed Ala sikrihi es-selam, and his son, Mohammed II; the reign of Jelaleddin Hassan III Ben Mohammed Hassan,—and of his son, Alaeddin Mohammed III; the reign of Rokneddin Kharshah, the last Grand-Master of the Assassins; the conquest of Bagdad—Fall of the Assassins-Remnant of them.