Is Rome in Assassins Creed Origins?

By Alice Nichols

In the highly popular video game series, Assassin’s Creed, players are transported to various historical settings to relive the adventures of skilled assassins. The series is known for its attention to detail and immersive gameplay, with each installment offering a unique and expansive world to explore. One such installment is Assassin’s Creed Origins, set in ancient Egypt during the time of Cleopatra’s reign.

The Setting: Ancient Egypt

Assassin’s Creed Origins takes players on a journey back in time to Ancient Egypt, specifically during the Ptolemaic period. This was a time of great political turmoil and cultural change in Egypt, as it was under Greek rule following Alexander the Great’s conquest.

Bayek of Siwa:

The protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Origins is Bayek of Siwa, a Medjay from the small village of Siwa in Egypt. As players assume the role of Bayek, they navigate through a richly detailed open-world environment that includes bustling cities like Alexandria and Memphis, as well as vast deserts and ancient ruins.

Exploring Rome

While Rome itself is not featured as a playable location in Assassin’s Creed Origins, it does play a significant role in the game’s narrative. Bayek’s journey takes him beyond the borders of Egypt as he follows clues and tracks down enemies who have ties to Rome.

Roman Influences:

The presence of Rome is felt throughout Assassin’s Creed Origins through various elements such as architecture, clothing styles, and cultural influences. The Ptolemaic rulers were heavily influenced by Roman customs and traditions, which can be seen in their grand palaces and extravagant attire.

Roman Characters:

In addition to encountering Roman architecture and influences throughout the game, players interact with several Roman characters who are intricately woven into the storyline. These characters include Roman officials, soldiers, and even Cleopatra herself, who had a complex relationship with Rome.

Rome in the Assassin’s Creed Universe

While Assassin’s Creed Origins does not allow players to physically explore Rome as a playable location, Rome itself is a significant part of the larger Assassin’s Creed universe. The series has dedicated an entire installment to Rome in the form of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood:

In Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, players assume the role of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, an Italian assassin during the Renaissance period. The game is set primarily in Rome and allows players to freely explore its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Vatican, and various other historical locations.

Roman Setting:

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood presents a highly detailed and immersive recreation of Rome during the 16th century. Players can traverse its streets and rooftops while undertaking various missions and engaging in thrilling combat sequences.

Historical Accuracy:

Just like in Assassin’s Creed Origins, historical accuracy is a key focus in Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. Players can expect to encounter famous figures from Roman history such as Leonardo da Vinci and Cesare Borgia as they navigate through this expansive open-world setting.

In Conclusion

While Rome itself may not be directly accessible in Assassin’s Creed Origins, its influence on ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period is evident throughout the game. The rich historical setting combined with engaging gameplay mechanics make Assassin’s Creed Origins a must-play for fans of both ancient history and immersive gaming experiences.