First Civilization & Artifacts
The First Civilization represents a profound mystery and a sificant element of the overarching lore in Assassin's Creed. This ancient, highly advanced race predates humanity and possessed knowledge and technology far beyond our current understanding. Their existence and their legacy are deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, as both factions seek to harness the power and knowledge left behind by this precursor civilization. The First Civilization is believed to have been responsible for shaping the early development of Earth and its inhabitants, potentially even influencing the evolution of human consciousness. Their legacy is scattered across the globe in the form of enigmatic structures, advanced technologies, and powerful artifacts. These artifacts, often referred to as Pieces of Eden, are central to the narrative, possessing extraordinary abilities that can influence minds, control populations, and even alter the course of history. The true nature and ultimate fate of the First Civilization remain a subject of intrigue, with hints suggesting they may have faced their own extinction or transcended to a higher plane of existence.
The artifacts left behind by the First Civilization are not merely tools of power; they are also keys to understanding the past and the true nature of the conflict. Pieces of Eden, such as the Apple of Eden or the Staff of Eden, possess capabilities that can sway the will of individuals, inspire mass obedience, or even grant immense physical power. The Templars seek to collect and control these artifacts to impose their vision of order and control upon humanity, believing they are the ultimate means to achieve global peace through subjugation. The Assassins, conversely, strive to protect these artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, fearing the catastrophic consequences of their misuse and the potential for absolute tyranny. The discovery and understanding of these ancient technologies often drive the protagonists' quests, leading them to uncover hidden truths about the world, the origins of humanity, and the true stakes of the eternal war. The lore surrounding the First Civilization adds a compelling science-fiction layer to the historical settings, suggesting a grander cosmic struggle and the potential for humanity's future to be shaped by forces beyond our immediate comprehension.
Pieces of Eden
Pieces of Eden are the most sificant remnants of the First Civilization, powerful artifacts imbued with extraordinary capabilities. These relics are highly sought after by both the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order due to their immense potential to influence and control. The Apple of Eden, perhaps the most well-known, grants its user the ability to exert a powerful form of mind control over individuals and crowds, making it a potent tool for manipulation and persuasion. Other artifacts, like the Staff of Eden, possess different, though equally sificant, powers. The Templars aim to collect these artifacts to enforce their vision of absolute order and control over humanity, believing they are the ultimate means to achieve global peace through subjugation. The Assassins, conversely, are dedicated to preventing these powerful items from falling into the wrong hands, recognizing the catastrophic potential for tyranny if they were to be misused. The discovery and understanding of these Pieces of Eden are often central to the plot, driving the protagonists' journeys and revealing the true nature of the ancient conflict.
The Fate of the First Civilization
The ultimate fate of the First Civilization is one of the most enduring mysteries within the Assassin's Creed lore. While their advanced technology and influence on early humanity are well-documented, their eventual disappearance remains largely unexplained. Various theories and hints within the games suggest several possibilities. Some lore points towards a catastrophic event, perhaps a natural disaster or a conflict of their own making, that led to their demise. Other narratives hint that they may have achieved a form of transcendence, evolving beyond their physical forms and ascending to a higher plane of existence. There are also suggestions that they may have intentionally left Earth, perhaps to escape a looming threat or to pursue other cosmic endeavors. The ongoing exploration of their legacy, particularly through the discovery of their artifacts and hidden messages, continues to shed light on their history and their ultimate destiny, offering crucial context to the present-day struggles of the Assassins and Templars.