The Assassins were a secret society of Shiite Muslims that emerged in the 11th century AD. They were known for their use of assassination as a political tool, targeting both Muslim and non-Muslim leaders who they saw as a threat to their interests.

The Assassins were based in a network of fortified mountain strongholds in Persia and Syria, which they used as a base for their operations. They were particularly active during the Crusades, and their activities were a major source of concern for both Christian and Muslim leaders at the time.

The Assassins were led by a Grand Master, who held absolute authority over the organization and its members. They were known for their secrecy and their use of propaganda to spread fear and intimidation among their enemies.

Despite their reputation as ruthless killers, the Assassins were also patrons of the arts and sciences, and they played an important role in the development of Islamic culture and scholarship during the Middle Ages. The legacy of the Assassins continues to be a subject of fascination and study among historians and scholars today.

There is no direct line of continuity between the historical Assassins and any modern-day organizations. However, some groups have been inspired by the Assassins or have claimed to be their descendants.

One example is the Nizari Ismaili community, which is a branch of Shia Islam that traces its origins back to the Ismaili imams who led the Assassins during the Middle Ages. The Nizari Ismailis are a peaceful community, and they reject the violent tactics and extremist ideology associated with the historical Assassins.

There have also been various groups and individuals who have adopted the name “Assassins” or been inspired by their legend. These include anarchist groups in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as some modern-day terrorist organizations. However, these groups have no direct connection to the historical Assassins and often use the name as a way to evoke fear and intimidate their enemies.

In short, while the legacy of the Assassins continues to be a subject of fascination and intrigue, there are no direct descendants or modern-day organizations that can be traced back to the historical Assassins.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there were several anarchist groups in Europe and North America that were inspired by the tactics and ideology of the historical Assassins. These groups were part of a broader anarchist movement that sought to overthrow the existing social and political order and create a society based on anarchist principles.

One of the most prominent groups was the Italian anarchist group known as “Propaganda of the Deed,” which emerged in the 1870s. The group was inspired by the Assassins’ use of assassination as a political tool and believed that targeted acts of violence could spark a revolution and bring down the existing order.

Another group that was influenced by the Assassins was the French anarchist group known as “La Bande Noire,” which was active in the 1890s. The group was known for its use of propaganda and its advocacy of direct action, including bombings and assassinations, as a means of achieving its goals.

While these anarchist groups were inspired by the Assassins, it’s important to note that there were significant differences between their ideologies and tactics. The historical Assassins were a religious group that used assassination as a tool in their struggle for power, while the anarchist groups of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were secular and sought to overthrow the existing social and political order.

There were several key differences between the ideologies of the anarchist groups and the historical Assassins:

1. Religious vs. Secular: The Assassins were a religious group that believed in the divine right of their leaders, while the anarchist groups of the late 19th and early 20th centuries were secular and rejected religion in favor of rationalism and individualism.
2. Political vs. Social: While the Assassins were primarily concerned with gaining political power and influence, the anarchist groups were more focused on achieving social and economic change. They sought to overthrow the existing social and political order and replace it with a society based on libertarian socialist principles.
3. Targeted Assassinations vs. Generalized Violence: The Assassins used targeted assassinations as a means of achieving their goals, while the anarchist groups advocated for more generalized violence, including bombings and sabotage. They believed that such actions could spark a revolution and bring down the existing order.
4. Hierarchical vs. Decentralized: The Assassins were a hierarchical organization with a strict chain of command, while the anarchist groups were decentralized and emphasized the importance of individual autonomy and self-organization.

Overall, while both the Assassins and the anarchist groups sought to challenge the existing order and promote radical change, their ideologies and tactics differed significantly. The anarchist groups were influenced by a range of philosophical and political ideas, including socialism, anarchism, and nihilism, while the Assassins were driven by religious beliefs and a desire for political power and influence.

In any case, the legacy of the Assassins continues to be a subject of fascination and inspiration for some individuals and groups, even if their tactics and ideologies differ significantly from those of the historical Assassins.