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Alamut Castle
62 Plays3 months ago
Episode two of the new season of Pieces of History delves into the captivating story of Alamut Castle.
In this episode, we’ll journey to the dramatic setting of this legendary stronghold, exploring its strategic location and uncovering the purpose behind its creation. We'll investigate who established and utilised Alamut, with a focus on the enigmatic Order of the Assassins and their intriguing history. Finally, we’ll trace the castle’s rise and eventual downfall, uncovering the layers of mystery and power that surround it.
Join me as I bring this remarkable chapter of history to life, revealing the significance of Alamut Castle and the legacy it left behind.
Email: piecesofhistorypod@outlook.com
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Transcript
Introduction to Alamut Castle
00:00:13
Speaker
Hello and welcome to Pieces of History, I'm Colin McGrath. In each episode I delve into some renowned and lesser known events throughout history. Today we'll journey to the rugged mountains of Iran to explore the history of Alamut Castle, an architectural marvel steeped in mystery, intrigue and legend. From its foundation to its role as the stronghold of the Nazari Ismailis and its enduring legacy, Alamut's story is one of strategy, resilience and the enduring power of myth.
00:00:40
Speaker
Let's dive into the history of the so-called Castle of the Assassins and uncover the fascinating narratives that continue to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike.
Iran's Historical Context
00:00:50
Speaker
At the beginning of this episode, I want to acknowledge that I might mispronounce some names of people, places or events. It's not my intention and I'll do my best to get them right.
00:00:58
Speaker
So before we get into the history of Alamud Castle, let's get some background information on where our story is set. Iran. Iran, located in western Asia, is bordered by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the east, Iraq to the west and Turkey to the northwest. Its significant coastlines along the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea frame a diverse array of terrains from towering mountains and dense forests to arid deserts and fertile plains.
00:01:27
Speaker
Spanning 1,648,995 square kilometres, Iran is the 18th largest country in the world, and its capital, Tehran, is the beating heart of this vast nation. The official language is Farsi, and the currency is Ara'el. Iran is one of the world's oldest nations, its history stretching back tens of thousands of years. Susa, its first great city, was established around 3,200 BCE.
00:01:51
Speaker
By 559 BCE, Cyrus the Great had found that the Persian Empire was expanded from the Mediterranean Sea to what is now in Pakistan. This empire was succeeded by the Greeks under Alexander the Great in 330 BCE later by the Parthenans and the Sassanids. With the advent of Islam in 642 CE, Persia became an integral part of the Islamic Empire.
00:02:15
Speaker
Centuries later, the Safanid Empire, established in 1501, ushered in a golden age of Iranian culture and governance. Modern Iran emerged from centuries of foreign influence and monarchial rule. In 1921, Reza Khan took control, seeking to diminish foreign dominance. In 1935, he renamed the country Iran. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 brought significant political and social changes, establishing the Islamic Republic.
00:02:43
Speaker
Today, Iran's government is led by a supreme leader appointed by the Assembly of Experts and an elected president who serves as a second-in-command. Iran's long history of scholarship and artistry has given rise to a rich cultural tapestry. Its contributions to art, literature, philosophy and science are profound.
00:03:01
Speaker
Iranian poets like Hafez and Rumi are celebrated worldwide and the invention of algebra is attributed to Iranian mathematicians. The country's architectural marvels, from the intricate mosques of Isfán to the ancient ruins of Prosopolis, stand as a testament to its creativity and skill.
00:03:19
Speaker
While Iran's political landscape has often been turbulent, its natural beauty remains striking. Kivir National Park, known as Little Africa, hosts a unique array of wildlife, including an Asiatic cheetah and Persian leopard. Dense northern forests provide shelter for birds, wolves and wild goats, while the central plateau supports gazelles, hyenas and jackals.
00:03:40
Speaker
Despite challenges such as sanctions and allegations of terrorism, Iran continues to play a pivotal role in global affairs. It's fast reserves of oil and natural gas underpin its economy alongside thriving agriculture, manufacturing and technological sectors. With the population of about 88 million, Iran is a vibrant mosaic of ethnic groups including Persians, Azeris, Kurds Lures.
Alamut Castle's Architecture and Strategic Use
00:04:02
Speaker
Its people are renowned for their hospitality and deep cultural traditions.
00:04:05
Speaker
Aron's story is one of resilience, innovation, and profound influence, from his ancient empires to his pivotal role in the modern world. Now, let's dive into Alamut Castle. To give you a clear picture, I'll need to touch on some geography to set the scene. Alamut Castle is nestled in the Abor's Mountains in the north of the country, a region that has held strategic importance throughout its history. Its rugged terrain, with steep cliffs and dense forests, offer a natural defensive advantage, making it an ideal refuge and sought-after stronghold for those seeking power.
00:04:37
Speaker
I would highly recommend that you have a quick look at the images of the area as it's absolutely stunning. The castle is surrounded by vast valleys with towering snow-capped mountains giving it the appearance of a fortress straight out of Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. Now let's get into the history.
00:04:54
Speaker
Alamut Castle was initially constructed around 865 CE by a Delamite ruler named Vasudan ibn Marsuban. The name Alamut translates to Eagle's Nest in Persian, likely referencing its high altitude location and inaccessibility.
The Rise of Hassan-i-Sabah and the Assassins
00:05:09
Speaker
Perched on a narrow rock formation 2,100 metres above sea level, the castle's architecture blended seamlessly with the surrounding cliffs, making it nearly impregnable.
00:05:19
Speaker
The fortress was ingeniously designed to capitalize on the natural topography, with steep slopes and hidden passageways adding layers of defence. The castle served as more than just an architectural marvel. It was a centre of power that shaped the surrounding environment and played a critical role in expanding dominions for those who controlled it. In 1090, Hassan I. Sabah, the leader of the Nizari Ismailis, seized control of Alamou Castle through a blend of strategic negotiation and sub-reviews. This audacious move marked the beginning of a transformative era for the fortress, which evolved into the epicentre of a network of strongholds stretching across Persia and Syria.
00:05:56
Speaker
These fortresses were not merely military bases, but also centers of intellectual activity, symbolizing the fusion of defense and enlightenment. Hassan's vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping Alamut into a bastion of resilience and cultural flourishing, laying foundations for the Nizari State.
00:06:14
Speaker
So let's go a bit deeper into the backstory of this later. Hassan-i-Saba is one of the most mysterious figures in medieval history. Often referred to as the Old Man of the Mountain, he transformed Alamut into the heart of a theocratic state that combined military strategy with ideological zeal. He created the Order of the Assassins in Alamut Castle, which served as the Assassins' headquarters. The Order used the mountains as a base to wreak havoc to the three empires vying for control of the region during the time. The Fatimid, Abbasid, and Seljuk.
00:06:44
Speaker
The assassins were particularly feared for their public elimination of high-profile targets, a tactic that allowed them to exert influence beyond their numbers. Their operations were often shredded in secrecy, contributing to numerous legends and folklore.
Impact of the Crusades and Alamut's Influence
00:06:57
Speaker
Notably, the 13th century traveller Marco Polo recounted stories of Hassan Aisaba, who allegedly used a garden to indoctrinate followers, but sadly, this part of the story seems to be a myth.
00:07:09
Speaker
While Assassins typically refer us to the entire group, only a group of disciples known as the Fida actually engaged in conflict. The preferred method of killing was by dagger, nerve poison, or arrows. The Order targeted Crusaders, killing Raven II of Tripoli, the de facto king of Jerusalem, comrade of Montferrat, and Lord Philip of Montfort. Saladin, a key antagonist, narrowly survived two assassination attempts.
00:07:33
Speaker
I'm going to take a sidebar here and delve into one of the most famous assassination attempts linked to the Order of the Assassins. The attempt on the life of the future King of England outward the first in June 1272, while he was an acre in modern-day Israel during King Louis IX's Second Crusade.
00:07:50
Speaker
If, like me, you have a vague notion of the dates of the Crusades and how many there were, here's a quick recap. The Crusades, a series of religious wars launched by Christian Europe between the 11th and 13th centuries, sought to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. The First Crusade, 1096-1099, achieved its objective by capturing Jerusalem, establishing several crusader states.
00:08:11
Speaker
However, these states struggled to maintain their territories, prompting successive campaigns. The Second Crusade, 1147-1149, led by European kings, ended in failure as the Crusades were unable to gain lost lands. The Third Crusade, 1189-1192, launched after the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, saw notable figures like Richard the Lionheart, but ultimately failed to retake the city, leading to a truce, allowing Christian pilgrims access.
00:08:39
Speaker
The fourth crusade, 1202-1204, diverged from its original mission, resulting in the sack of Constantinople further fracturing Christendom. The other crusades, including the 5th, 1217-1221, and 6th, 1228-1229, had limited success. The latter, by the Emperor Frederick II, secured Jerusalem briefly through negotiation. However, Muslim forces soon regained control.
00:09:03
Speaker
The 7th crusade, 1248-1254, led by Louis IX of France, ended in defeat in Egypt, signaling waning European enthusiasm. By the 8th crusade, 1270, also led by Lady IX, the focus had shifted to Tunis, but his death marked another failure. It was against this backdrop of diminished crusader influence that Edward I of England joined the final significant crusading efforts in 1271-1272, seeking to bolster the flagging Christian presence in the Holy Land. Now let's move on to Edward I.
00:09:36
Speaker
Edward's involvement was motivated by a combination estimate of piety, nightly ideals, and political ambitions. Like I've previously mentioned, in the mid-13th century, the crusader states were in a precarious position. Jerusalem had fallen in 1244, and the remaining territories, including Acre, faced relentless pressure from the Mamluks, a powerful Islamic dynasty in Egypt.
00:09:57
Speaker
Edward took the cross, as it was known, in 1268, partly inspired by the example of his uncle Richard the Lanhart, and driven by the need to enhance his royal prestige. Edward's journey to Acre began after King Louis IX of France launched his crusade in 1270, targeting Tunis, the capital of modern-day Tunisia. Louis' death during the campaign diverted European focus with a small but determined force.
00:10:21
Speaker
He arrived in Acre in 1271, a time when the city served as a de facto capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. While his resources were limited, Edward sought to bolster his defences of the remaining Crusader strongholds and engage in skirmishes with the Mamluks. His most notable military action was a raid on the Mamluk-held town of Kwan, demonstrating his tactical skill despite being vastly outnumbered.
00:10:43
Speaker
Edward's efforts in Acre were ultimately constrained by political realities and dwindling European support for the crusading movement. It's here where the story of the Order of the Assassins comes
Alamut as an Intellectual Center
00:10:53
Speaker
back into your story. According to sources at the time, Edward and his wife Eleanor were asleep when a trusted spy requested a meeting. This man, a Muslim convert to Christianity, had been in Edward's service since the prince's arrival in the Holy Land. Rising from his bed and his underclothes, Edward had the spy brought into his chamber.
00:11:12
Speaker
According to the Templar of Tyre, events quickly turned violent. The Saracen met him and stabbed him on the hip with a dagger, making a deep, dangerous wound. The Lord Edward felt himself struck, and he struck the Saracen a blow with his fist on the temple, which knocked him senseless to the ground for a moment. Then the Lord Edward caught up a dagger from the table and stabbed the Saracen in the head, killing him.
00:11:36
Speaker
The danger was far from over. Many sources claim the assassin's dagger was poisoned. As chaos erupted in an Acre, officials and doctors rushed to Edward's aid. What happened next depends on the account. One story credits Eleanor with saving her husband by sucking the poison from the wound. Another says an English surgeon traded Edward by cutting away the infected flesh. In this version, Eleanor's tears reportedly prompted the surgeon to dismiss her, remarking, better she weep now than the whole of England later.
00:12:04
Speaker
But who orchestrated the attack? Unfortunately, scholars were never able to find out who sent the assassin, but some believe that was an attempt to disrupt crusader efforts, sabotaging their ability to coordinate a joint invasion of Syria with the Mongols. This incident highlights the far-reaching influence of the order of the assassins and the fear they instilled across cultures. It also underscores how their legacy intertwined with the political turbulence of the crusades, leaving an enduring mark on both Eastern and Western histories.
00:12:32
Speaker
Before we return to the details of Amalik Castle, it's worth noting that the Order's tactics are thought to have inspired the term assassination. So I'm going to jump back in time to 1092, when the Nizrari Ismailis had established a limit as their base of operations. During this time there was a period of intense political fragmentation and religious tension in the Islamic world. The Nizrari Ismailis had broken away from the Fatimid Caliphate and used a mount in this region that the castle was set in as a vanguard against their enemies. The Nizraris were scaled out psychological warfare, using espionage and precise strikes to neutralise their more powerful opponents.
00:13:09
Speaker
A notable example of their operations is the assassination of Nizam al-Mulk, the powerful visor of the Sajuk Empire. This time, the Nizarri Ismailis used their highly trained operatives, known as fihidin, literally self-sacrificers. These individuals were deeply committed to the Nizarri cause, often willing to sacrifice their lives to achieve their objectives.
00:13:31
Speaker
The Fije Dean were not merely a assassins, but were highly disciplined and ideologically motivated agents who viewed their missions as acts of devotion and martyrdom for their smiley faith. Nizam al-Muk, a key figure in the Sajuq Empire, became a prime target due to his role in suppressing the Niswari's. The assassination was meticulously planned. Disguises and deception were often critical elements of fihidane operations, allowing them to infiltrate their target's ranks or approach undetected. According to your accounts, the assassin disguised himself as a Sufi or a petitioner to gain access to Nizam al-Muk during his travels.
00:14:08
Speaker
Once close enough, he struck swiftly and faintly with a dagger, ensuring the mission's success before he subdued or killed himself. The psychological impact of such assassinations were profound. The precision and audacity of the attack spread fear among the Seduc elite.
00:14:23
Speaker
as it demonstrated that even the most powerful and well guarded individuals were not beyond the reach of the Nasrari Ismailis. This fear was amplified by the Fadeen's willingness to die for their cause, making them difficult to deter. The assassination of Nizam Al-Mukh destabilised the Sajuq administration at a critical moment, as it occurred just before the death of Sultan Malik Shah I, contributing to a period of political fragmentation and weakening the empire's ability to combat the Nasrari Ismailis effectively.
00:14:52
Speaker
The Fehadeen's methods became emblematic of the Nizrari resistance and were central to their strategy of asymmetrical warfare, allowing them to challenge far larger and better resource powers. This operation against Nizm al-Mukh exemplifies how the Nizrari Ismailis used their network of highly dedicated operatives to strike at their enemy's leadership, making them a formidable force despite their relatively small numbers.
00:15:16
Speaker
Now, let's turn to another assassination. This time involving Sultan Malik Shah I in the same year, Ken 92. His death is closely connected to that of his advisor Nizim Al Mulk, who I've just discussed.
00:15:29
Speaker
A visor, as a higher-ranking political advisor or minister, played a pivotal role in the sujuk administration, making Nizam al-Mukhs assassination a significant blow. The circumstances surrounding Malik Shah's death remain mysterious, but some accounts suggest another link to the Nasrari Ismailis and her fae hadeen.
00:15:47
Speaker
Just weeks after Nizam al-Malik's murder, Malik's shah died under suspicious circumstances, with some historians speculating that poisoning may have been the cause. Although no direct evidence ties the fihidim to his death, their demonstrated ah ability to eliminate key subject figures suggests they both had the means and the motivation to target the Sultan.
00:16:07
Speaker
The timing of Malik Shah's death, so soon after the assassination of his visor, feels speculation about a coordinated effort to destabilize the Sajuq empire. These twin losses plunge the empire into political fragmentation and internal conflict, weakening its ability to resist the growing influence of the Nizari Ismailis and other rivals.
00:16:27
Speaker
Malik Shah's death played a turning point in the Sajuq Nizari struggle, showcasing how the Nizari's innovative and psychological warfare tactics could undermine even the most powerful empires of the era.
00:16:40
Speaker
Beyond this military significance, Alamut was a hub of intellectual activity. The castle housed an extensive library, renowned for its collections on theology, philosophy, natural sciences, and esoteric studies. The library emphasized texts that explored righteousness interpretations of Islam, fostering a scholarly environment that sought to harmonize faith with reason and knowledge.
Destruction by the Mongols and Aftermath
00:17:00
Speaker
These studies not only deepened the spiritual practice of the Nazari Ismailis, but also contributed significantly to the broader Islamic and intellectual tradition.
00:17:10
Speaker
Under Hassan's guidance, the Nizari Ismailis developed a righteousness interpretation of Islam, emphasizing knowledge and personal responsibility. This intellectual tradition encouraged critical thinking and debate, which were unusual for the time. The library's collections reportedly included rare manuscripts, commentaries on Greek philosophy, and advancements in mathematics and astronomy. Such resources positioned Alamut as an intellectual beacon in the Islamic world, attracting scholars and thinkers who further embrace its legacy.
00:17:40
Speaker
Tragically, much of the knowledge housed within Alamance Library was lost. However, the intellectual pursuits of the Nizaris have their impression on Ismaili communities and the broader Islamic tradition, ensuring their contributions endure even in the face of adversity.
00:17:55
Speaker
As we continue our story, let's look at the castle's ultimate downfall. To do so, we'll need to jump ahead a few centuries to 1256 and the arrival of the Mongols. Before diving into that, let's take a moment to recap the Mongols and their rise to power. The rise of the Mongols is one of history's most remarkable stories of conquest, unification and expansion.
00:18:16
Speaker
Emerging from the harsh nomadic steppes of modern-day Mongolia, they lived as herders, hunters, and warriors. This challenging environment fostered resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of tribal loyalty. Initially divided into warring tribes that frequently sliced over resources, livestock, and dominance, these fragmented groups would eventually unite to forge one of the largest continuous empires in history, reshaping much of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
00:18:42
Speaker
The early Mongols were adept horsemen and orchards, skills honed over generations of hunting and warfare. This mastery of mobility and combat became the cornerstones of their melgy success.
00:18:54
Speaker
The transformation of the Mongols from a fragmented group into a formidable empire began with Temujin, later known as Genghis Khan, meaning universal ruler. Born around 1162 into a turbulent world of tribal conflict, Temujin united the Mongol tribes through a mix of alliances, strategic marriages and military campaigns. By 1206 he was proclaimed Genghis Khan, marking the birth of the Mongol Empire. But what made the Mongols so successful?
00:19:20
Speaker
It was rooted in several factors. The first one would have been superior military organisation. The Mongol army was divided into into units of tens, hundreds and thousands and ten thousands, ensuring discipline and efficient command. The meritocratic system promoted leaders based on skill and loyalty.
00:19:37
Speaker
Also, they had innovative tactics. They excelled in mobility, psychological warfare, feint retreats and siegecraft. They adopted and improved upon technologies from conquered peoples such as siege engines and gunpowder weapons, and they were also able to adapt. The Mongols assimilated the administrative practices and cultural knowledge of the civilizations they captured, strengthening their empire.
00:20:02
Speaker
The Mongols came to Iran as part of their westward expansion under Genghis Khan and later under his successors. Iran's rich cities and strategic locations made it a prime target. The Mongol conquest in Persia were marked by devastation, but they also led the groundwork for the flourishing of the Ilkhanate, a Mongol rural state that fostered trade, culture and science.
00:20:24
Speaker
So let's bring it back to Alamut. In 1256, Hagalu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, shifted his focus to the Nazari Ismailis. Since 1253, the Mongols have been capturing Christani fortresses, with many falling to their Christian Mongol general, Khet Buga.
00:20:42
Speaker
By May, Mongol forces advanced to the fortress of Gerda, where Somali defenders resisted for several months. However, in December, a cholera outbreak within the fortress weakened their defenses. Reinforcements from the nearby Alamut fortress arrived just in time, repelling the Mongols and killing hundreds of Kit-Bugha's troops. Although the fortress was saved, subsequent Mongol attacks on the towns of Tun and Tuss resulted in widespread massacres.
00:21:09
Speaker
Across Khrisan, the Mongols enforced oppressive laws and caused a mass displacement of the local population. After the atrocities in Toon in 1256, Hooghulu personally took charge of the campaign to eradicate Ismaili's strongholds. But how do we know this? Thankfully, these events were captured by one of the most important chroniclers of the Mongol conquest, Ada Malek Jirvani.
00:21:33
Speaker
Giovanni, a Persian historian and statesman, was born in 1226. He served under the Il Canat as governor of Baghdad, Isafan and other regions. His monumental work, The History of the World Conqueror, provides a detailed account of the Mongols' rise under conquests.
00:21:51
Speaker
Giovanni witnessed many of the events he described, including the Mongol invasion of Alamut. His narrative offers a vivid depiction of Hoogaloo's campaign, describing how the Mongols meticulously dismantled the fortress and destroyed its extensive libraries. Giovanni's account reveals an ambivalence towards Nizrari Ismailis. He also lamented the cultural loss caused by the destruction of their libraries and manuscripts.
00:22:14
Speaker
In the late autumn of 1256, Hukulu Khan advanced upon Alamut, Rukun al-Din Kursa, the last leader of the Nisari Ismailis, hoped that the harsh winter would forestall the Mongols' siege. However, the unusually mild weather shattered his hopes. The Mongols executed their siege with devastating precision, employing a combination of psychological warfare, isolation and advanced siege tactics. They cut off the fortress' supplies and relentlessly assaulted its defences.
00:22:42
Speaker
With overwhelming numbers and the might of siege engines, they braced Allamoot's walls, forcing the defenders into submission. The fortress, a bastion of resistance for decades, was reduced to rubble. Finally, Rukun al-Din saw terms of surrender. A yarlai, or decree of safe conduct, was issued by Giovanni. Inside Allamoot, Hagulu Khan granted Giovanni access to the castle's famed library, a repository of accumulated knowledge and religious texts.
00:23:11
Speaker
Giovanni meticulously selected valuable manuscripts for preservation while consigning others, those deemed heretical, to flames. This act was both symbolic and practical, aimed at erasing the intellectual foundation of the Nazari Ismaili movement.
00:23:27
Speaker
The destruction of Alamut was not merely a military factory, it marked the collapse of the Nasari Ismailis as a significant political force. Although the community endured as religious croup, their political influence was irrevocably diminished, but the fall of Alamut also epitomised the broader devastation wrought by the Mongols across the Islamic world.
Conclusion and Reflections
00:23:47
Speaker
Their campaigns left a trail of destruction, reshaping the political and cultural landscape of the regions they conquered.
00:23:54
Speaker
For the Nazari Ismailis, the loss of Alamut symbolised the end of an era, yet the resilience as a religious community endured a survival. The memory of Alamut's fall remains a stark reminder of how temporary power can last with one people, and the far-reaching consequences of conquest.
00:24:11
Speaker
The lessons from Alamut's history remain relevant today. Its story illustrates the importance of strategic thinking, resilience of ideas in the face of physical destruction, and the enduring value of knowledge and culture. Alamut's legacy also serves as a reminder of the course of war and the fragility of human achievements, emphasizing the need for preservation and understanding in our own era.
00:24:34
Speaker
Thank you for joining me on this journey into the history of Almond Castle. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we'll continue to uncover more hidden corners of history. Make sure to subscribe and read Pieces of History on Spotify, and you can contact me at piecesofhistory at outlook.com or on Instagram at piecesofhistory. Thanks for listening.