Unveiling the Mysterious Zanj Rebellion in Assassin's Creed Mirage

Assassin's Creed Mirage marks the anticipated return of Ubisoft's beloved franchise, with a focus on its original elements. The upcoming release promises to delve into lesser-known historical events, adding an educational element to the exciting gameplay. The first trailer, released in September of 2022, confirmed rumors and sparked excitement among fans. According to the lead developers, the game will highlight significant moments in history, including the Zanj Rebellion - a revolution against the Abbasid Caliphate.

The Abbasid Caliphate Setting Of Assassin's Creed Mirage

During the 9th century AD, commonly referred to as The Dark Ages, the world experienced significant cultural, scientific, and mathematical advancements in Eastern cultures such as the Byzantine Empire and the world of Islam. Despite the popular usage of the term Dark Ages, this period was not devoid of progress. The Arabian Peninsula was united under the Founder of Islam, Mohamed, in the 7th century AD. Subsequently, various successor caliphates emerged and expanded the reach of Islam through military conquests, ultimately leading to the Crusades. The third successor caliphate, the Abbasid Caliphate, ruled over a vast empire stretching from North Africa to modern-day Pakistan, with the Zanj Rebellion serving as a key event in the upcoming game, Assassin's Creed Mirage.

The Zanj Rebellion and How It May Tie Into Assassin's Creed Mirage

During the Zanj Rebellion, the Bantu-speaking Zanj were enslaved and forced to work in plantations under miserable conditions in southern Iraq. The Abbasid Caliphate was already dealing with political instability due to civil wars and revolts, which allowed rebellions like the Zanj Rebellion to emerge. Led by Ali ibn Muhammad, the rebellion promised wealth and prosperity to the Zanj in exchange for their support. While initially successful, the Abbasid Caliphate reorganized and launched a counterattack, capturing or killing most of the Zanj leaders and ending the rebellion in 883.

The potential impact of the Zanj Rebellion in the upcoming game remains uncertain, along with the allegiance of the characters involved. Given the historical context of revolution and conflict during this period, it is plausible that Assassin's Creed Mirage may explore both sides of the conflict. As the game delves into the franchise's roots, only time will reveal the ultimate fate of the characters involved. Fans can anticipate the release of Assassin's Creed Mirage on October 12, 2023, across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.