The Great Cataclysm
The Great Catastrophe stands as the defining historical event of the Assassin's Creed universe, marking the abrupt and violent end of the First Civilization, also known as the Isu. Occurring in prehistoric times, this disaster was caused by a massive solar flare that devastated Earth's surface, wiping out nearly all advanced Isu technology and infrastructure while simultaneously decimating the human population that had risen to challenge them.
Quick Facts
- Event type
- Planetary Disaster
- Primary cause
- Solar Flare Interaction with Isu Technology
- Key survivors
- First Civilization Remnants, Early Humans
- Legacy
- Scattering of the Isu and the rise of human civilization
Lore & Background
The aftermath reshaped human history. Survivors of both species scattered across the globe, with the remaining Isu fading into myth as 'gods' while humanity rebuilt from the ashes. The artifacts left behind by the First Civilization became known as Pieces of Eden, powerful tools that drove centuries of conflict between those who sought to control them and those who wished to keep them hidden. This catastrophe set the stage for the eternal struggle between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.
Reader's Guide
Understanding the Great Cataclysm is essential for navigating the timeline of Assassin's Creed. It explains why ancient myths speak of gods falling from the sky and why certain ruins possess impossible technology. The event serves as the origin point for all major artifacts in the series, including the Apple of Eden and the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus. These items were designed to survive the disaster and guide humanity afterward. For players, this lore connects modern-day sequences with ancient simulations. The Animus allows users to relive memories from before the event, revealing how the Isu planned for their own extinction and manipulated human evolution through genetic engineering.
More in Lore & History
Elsewhere in Assassin's Creed
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