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Echoes of History

History Hit & Assassin's Creed

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Dive into the real-life history that inspires the locations, characters, and storylines of the legendary world of Assassin’s Creed. ‘Echoes of History’, a Ubisoft podcast brought to you by History Hit, is the place where listeners can explore the narrow side streets of Medici-ruled Florence, cross sand dunes in the shadow of ancient pyramids, climb the rigging of 18th century brigs sailing across the Caribbean and meet the most powerful warlords in Feudal Japan, all before stepping ‘into the ...
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AC Sisterhood Speaks!

AC Sisterhood Speaks!

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AC Sisterhood Speaks! is a podcast that aims to celebrate and uplift the voices of women in the video game industry and Assassin's Creed community. AC Sisterhood began in 2020 as a community initiative and has since grown into a movement to shine a spotlight on women and minorities in gaming, including developers, actors, writers, translators, community members, and more. Find out more on our blog: https://acsisterhood.wordpress.com/blog/ Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_ACSisterhood_
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Brian Lloyd, Dan Kelly Atkinson & Eoin Ronayne of Entertainment.ie are joined by Tony Cantwell to review the latest game releases, discuss the newest stories in gaming, and debate the greatest games of all time!
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The most exciting 15 minutes of gaming, TV, movies, and geekdom news straight to your earbud! The Pixel Melee Show is hosted and produced by a veteran team of podcasters, gamers, and geeks with a passion for good podcasting!
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This is a family-friendly video game podcast hosted by Mike & Addie, a daddy/daughter gaming duo. Each week, we talk about the video games we play, the games we're looking forward to, and whatever else seems to fit.
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Queen Victoria was the last English monarch of the House of Hanover and gave her name to an era in British history. Although small in stature, she was a towering figure as she witnessed major turning points in British history. Yet she is often caricatured as a spiky and stubborn woman to deal with. This episode will focus on her life as queen, unpa…
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What was life like in feudal Japan? If you were born into the chaos of the Warring States period, would you have been a farmer, a merchant or a samurai? Or perhaps even an Emperor? Delving into the history behind the latest Assassin’s Creed game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Matt Lewis and Dr Tomoko Kate Kitagawa shed light on the customs, culture and…
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During the Onin Wars of the early Sengoku period, Kyoto was razed as civil war struck the Imperial capital. Only with unification did the city begin to rebuild. This episode will explore the rise and fall and rise again of Kyoto, what life in the city might have looked like, and why it held such significance to unification in the 16th century. In t…
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In the sixth episode delving into the history behind the latest Assassin’s Creed game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Matt Lewis and Nathan Ledbetter follow the sound of marching footsteps and clashing blades into Japan’s mountainous Iga province, to learn about the fearsome conflict between samurai armies and guerrilla shinobi, or ninja, that was the T…
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Oda Nobunaga. He’s one of feudal Japan’s most infamous and consequential figures, known to many as Japan’s first ‘Great Unifier’. From humble beginnings as the daimyo of Owari province, he embarked on a mission to unite all of Japan under his sole control. But how did he emerge as Japan’s dominant warlord in an era of incessant social upheaval and …
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Yasuke is one of the most captivating and yet mysterious figures within Japanese history. In 1581, at the height of the civil war, he crossed paths with the country’s most powerful warlord, Oda Nobunaga. Their meeting bound the two men together and set Yasuke on a path to becoming the first known samurai of African descent in Japan. Delving into th…
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When Portuguese merchants ran aground on the Japanese isle of Tanegashima in 1543 two worlds collided - Europeans had encountered Japan for the first time. For the next 50 years Portuguese-sponsored missionaries flooded into this newly discovered land aiming to exploit it for western benefit. But in the fiery cauldron of Sengoku Japan, Portuguese m…
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In the 16th century, Japan was embroiled in what is known as Sengoku jidai - ‘The Warring States’ period. It was a time of bloody battles, social upheaval and is known as the most violent in Japan’s history. But how, and when, did 150 years of bitter warfare and division come to an end? How did unification change the face of Japanese society? In th…
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Dating from 1467-1603, the Sengoku or ‘Warring States’ period is known as the bloodiest in Japan’s history; an era of continuous social upheaval and civil war which transformed the country. Shogun-led authority was shattered and 150 years of murder and betrayal followed as fearsome warlords ruled local territories with unflinching ruthlessness. In …
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Introducing a new chapter of Echoes of History, the podcast that explores the incredible real-life stories and events that inspire the locations, characters, and storylines of the legendary Assassin’s Creed. Join your host, historian Matt Lewis, and regular contributor Holly Nielsen, as they guide you into the worlds of Assassin’s Creed, talking to…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". Bermuda was at the crossroads between Europe and the New World, but it was also a haven for pirates. A child of the archipelago, Nathaniel North was lulled by the legendary tales of Thomas Tew’s exploits in the Indian Ocean. That's all it took to inspire him to em…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". Who said all pirates were cruel and bloodthirsty? Definitely not Edward England. For this buccaneer who had been in the English Navy, piracy was a dream of freedom and wealth. Nothing obliged him to torture, kill, or decapitate opposing crews. An unconventional st…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones. There are opportunistic pirates and those who have piracy in their blood. Mathurin Desmaretz belonged to the second category of sea scum. A simple buccaneer in his youth, he longed for freedom at sea. But life was not so simple. Forced to enlist several times, he l…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones. Is it possible to be a military man and outlaw at the same time? Well, it's all a matter of perspective. A strategic prodigy of the Maratha Empire in India, Kanhoji Angria was appointed admiral before he turned 30. Unbeatable at sea, he attacked the ships of East I…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". You're not born a pirate, you become one. This motto shaped the eventful life of William Kidd. The English buccaneer thought he could make a fortune in the gray area between privateers and pirates. But fate had other plans for him. As the captain of a sailing expe…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". Among pirates, a nickname creates the legend. A fearless sea bandit and outstanding fighter, Olivier Levasseur was called La Buse by his peers. The former French privateer had the reputation of swooping down on his prey through violent lightning raids. In reality,…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". As the son of a Royal Navy officer, Henry Every was destined to a lifetime of serving the British crown. On the decks of military ships, life was as miserable as the pay. After years of hardship, Every grew weary and led a band of mutineers to take control of the …
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". At the end of the 17th century, pirates scoured the warm seas of the Caribbean. When this corner of the world became too small for these restless bandits, one man looked towards the East... Thomas Tew, a former privateer, was one of the first pirates to set sail f…
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The new season of "Echoes of History" features Ubisoft's new game: "Skull and Bones". Inspired by this adventure where players write their own destinies as sea bandits, the podcast "Gangsters of the Seas" dives into the sordid history of the Indian Ocean's most terrible pirates. Hosted by: Michelle Rodriguez Written by: Gaspard Wallut Historical ad…
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Slavery in medieval Baghdad was complex, and though slaves had some social mobility, the Zanj people had been mistreated and were hungry for a rebellion. Ali ibn Muhammad was the driving force for this revolution, and led the Zanj and their disenfranchised allies through 15 years of war. Can ibn Muhammad and his rebels overthrow the Abbasids? Is th…
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As the chaos of Samarra spreads to Baghdad, the Caliph al Ma'mun leaves the old capital in the hands of the trusted Tahrid family. Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tahir is appointed Governor of Baghdad and the city thrives, but when the fleeing al-Musta’in takes refuge in Baghdad, ibn Abdallah ibn Tahir must survive the military advances of al-Mu’tazz an…
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In a time of anarchy and political upheaval, the established militant force in Samarra now has unprecedented power over the Caliph. In this episode Ali and Deana discuss the life of al-Mu’tazz, son of al-Mutawakkil and heir to the throne. From being the favorite child of his father, to being placed under house-arrest by his newly elected cousin, pa…
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The murder of al-Mutawakkil marked a drastic change in the politics of Baghdad and Samarra. In the emerging anarchy of the region, al-Qabiha was an enchanting and ruthless political force. She would use her power to put an end to the anarchy and secure her son’s position as Caliph, but will it last? An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso …
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In the newly established political capital of Samarra, the Caliph is separated from Baghdad by 60 miles and a wall of soldiers. After becoming the leader of this centralized city, al-Mutawakkil adopts a reign of opulence, and has quite an axe to grind. Will he be able to survive the politics of the new elite guard? An original Ubisoft series, produ…
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In a time bound by rigid social and class divides, knowledge and the pursuit thereof often bridged the gap between lowly beginnings and a prolific career. For historic author Al-Jahiz, that meant encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of topics from science to politics, and theories on evolution that preceded Darwin by almost a thousand years. An o…
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Sold into slavery from a young age, this medieval rockstar Arib al’Mamuniyya went on to impress the Caliphs, and become a famed poet and musician in her own right. In a time where literacy was a prized possession, Arib lived well by her wits and made waves with proper doses of intellect and controversy. An original Ubisoft series, produced by Parad…
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How did this famed Arab physician shape the future of medicine and influence the Muslim Empire for centuries to come? From his humble beginnings as an outspoken student, he would later become the head of the House of Wisdom, the creator of eye medicine, and one of the most prolific scholars of his time. An original Ubisoft series, produced by Parad…
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In medieval Baghdad, there was a particular focus on two elements of knowledge expansion: recording existing principles, and further expanding on this knowledge through experimentation. Al-Mahani represents a key figure in this transitional period of scholarship, translating and commenting upon Euclidean geometry, as well as laying the mathematical…
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The Medieval scholars of Baghdad were obsessed with math and saw it as the ultimate harmony of the universe. Deana and Ali explore the lives and legacy of the Banū Mūsā brothers: their origin, scholarly works and schemes. Educated in the House of Wisdom, the Banū Mūsā brothers advanced math, astronomy & other sciences in the Islamic world, as well …
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In Figures of Baghdad, we’ll get to know some of the great minds of the Abbasid Empire, all of whom are characters you can find in Assassin's Creed Mirage. From three scholarly brothers who scheme and plot at the center of power, while studying the mysteries of the universe... to a legendary poet who raises herself up from slavery, into the very he…
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The sharing of culture was vital for the Abbasids. Even their predecessors, the Umayyads, had been fascinated by the knowledge of other cultures and societies. The Abbasids took things one step further when they created The House of Wisdom: an important library and institution that funded scholars, learning, and most importantly translation. This i…
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Muslims spilled a lot of ink pondering what good government should look like, what a wise ruler should be like, and why it mattered for society. And this is the type of political intrigue that makes Baghdad, the city of Peace, into a place of civil war. The War of the Two Brothers starts on the Night of the Three Caliphs, where the succession of th…
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Alongside the Great Mosque, the palace was the first structure built in Baghdad. Let’s imagine this… You’re a new visitor, you’ve traveled for miles, perhaps stopping at the funduq as you slowly make your way to the round city. There’s a bustle as crowds of visitors wind their way from the many roads to the gates of Baghdad. As you pass the entry, …
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Let’s take a jaunt to an ancient structure that made all of medieval Baghdad possible, the caravanserai or funduq. Originally built by the Achaemenids as roadside taverns or ins, these were dwellings that connected roads & provided travelers with food and shelter. As the city evolved and expanded, the Funduq grew alongside it. An original Ubisoft s…
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With their elaborate domed ceilings and ornate mosaics, these public steam baths were adopted by Muslims from the Greco-Roman world. Stemming from a time when not everyone had access to running water, hammams were accessible to all regardless of class or wealth. A place of cleansing, religion, healing and community. An original Ubisoft series, prod…
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The Great Mosque was positioned in the center of Baghdad, with numerous smaller mosques dotted around the various neighborhoods. A place of daily prayer, a community center, a place to feed the poor and hungry. The mosque was for everyone from the powerful to the ordinary… You hear the call to prayer as it reverberates throughout the city. It comes…
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In this episode we’ll travel to the Bazaar (AKA souk), a place of trade and politics, the beating heart of the city… Throngs of people move about, garbed in clothing that reflect their rank; the rich in their silks and finely woven robes of different colored hues: greens and blues and rich earth tones, old men sitting on the side of streets playing…
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Originating with the Persian empires, the harem (unlike its salacious modern day portrayals) emerges from the need to create a safe space for rulers and their families. Let’s take a tour! You’ve had an entire day full of courtly intrigue and politics. You retire, passing a curtain separating the public from the private… you pass by special guards w…
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Medieval Muslims imagined themselves as scholarly warriors, poets, and philosophers, knights, and cavaliers. This elite culture and the way it filtered down to the masses, is what made this period of Baghdad so exciting. In this episode we explore the culture of chivalry and the ideal household as the basic foundation of Abbasid culture and society…
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What would a visitor have seen entering the City of Peace? Deana and Ali tour the medieval metropolis that is Baghdad. Capital city of the Abbasid empire, heart of the Islamic civilization, home to mighty architectural marvels and great intellectual achievements! An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso Media. Written by: Ali A Olomi Hosted…
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Baghdad Soundwalks guides you through the history, intrigue and drama of medieval Baghdad, the setting for Assassin's Creed Mirage. Join our hosts Ali A Olomi and Deana Hassanein as they explore an exciting time period which is often overlooked. An original Ubisoft series, produced by Paradiso Media. Written by: Ali A Olomi Hosted by: Ali A Olomi, …
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AC Sisterhood interviews Jaleigh Johnson, author of The Golden City: a new novel that bridges the gap between Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Assassin's Creed Mirage. Topics include the process from pitch to finished book, exploring the characters of Hytham and Basim, Sages, and more. --- Follow and contribute to the movement with #ACSisterhood​ ! Fo…
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With a network of fortifications spanning Europe, the backing of the Pope and a fierce reputation, how did the reign of the Knights Templar end in arrest, torture, disbandment and, in some cases, execution? Mike Carr is with Matt Lewis to share the rumours that led to the Knights’ downfall, the possible motives of Philip IV, and to explore whether …
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Poisoned blades, a gun, a dagger to the heart - assassinations & killings for political gain have taken place for as long as societies have existed. Just as in the games, we have evidence of assassinations from Ancient Egypt to the American Revolution to the Victorian Age. In this episode with the disaster historian, John Withington, Matt Lewis fin…
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This is the most sought after Christian relic, believed to have miraculous healing powers and divine origins. What isn’t known is exactly what it is that we’re supposed to be looking for. Different mythologies describe different grails with different properties. To find out more about the folklore of the grail, how it became so entwined with that o…
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In 1192, Conrad of Montferrat was assassinated, the question was, did Richard I have anything to do with it? Then, 80 years later Lord Edward, who would soon become King Edward I of England, survived an assassination attempt while on crusade in the Holy Land. Two crusader kings, caught up on opposite sides of the assassins. So what was the relation…
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What does it take to be the Grand Master of the Knights Templar? Robert de Sablé, born into a respected military family in France was the 11th Grand Master. So was he the evil villain we meet in Assassin’s Creed? How high profile was he? And how strong was his support network? Peter Edbury speaks to Dan Snow about the real man behind the legends. A…
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An order of crusading monks draped in white robes marked with a red cross: the Knights Templar perhaps don’t sound that daunting when you first hear of them. But these monks were one of the most powerful organisations in the world during the crusades. From land ownership to banking to fighting on the frontlines with their faith as a weapon, the Kni…
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Using targeted political murder to protect humanity from injustice and abuse of power, the Assassins are infamous as much for their secrecy as for their actions. The story of the Nizari branch of Ismaili Muslims goes right back to the start of Islam, and continues to this day. Dr Farhad Daftary joins Matt Lewis to tell us what the Assassins stood f…
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Islamic, Christian and Jewish blood spilled across three centuries in the Eastern Mediterranean and Levant, all under the sanction of the Latin Church. The impact of the eight Crusades reverberated across the Medieval world. So, what was the fighting about? Were the relationships between Islamic and Christian groups always hostile? And what are the…
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