New Books in Islamic Studies Steve Tibble, "Assassins and Templars: A Battle in Myth and Blood" (Yale UP, 2025)
Dec 4, 2025
Steve Tibble, an honorary research associate at Royal Holloway and expert on the Crusades, dives deep into the captivating world of the Assassins and Templars. He explores the rich political tapestry of the medieval Eastern Mediterranean and delves into the origins and strategies of the Nizari Ismailis. Tibble unveils the Templars' dual existence as warrior-monks and their theological justifications for violence. He highlights how both groups thrived for centuries and examines their cultural legacy, revealing the myths and modern narratives surrounding these legendary figures.
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Crowded Stage Of The Crusades
- The Eastern Mediterranean during the Crusades was crowded with many competing powers, making Crusaders often bit-part players.
- Small groups like the Templars and Nizari Ismailis survived by adopting focused, Darwinian strategies amid larger empires.
Origins And Zeal Of The Nizari Ismailis
- The Nizari Ismailis (Assassins) emerged from internal Ismaili splits after 1094 and formed highly committed, devout communities.
- Their small size forced intense focus and willingness to die for religious survival, shaping their tactics.
Role Titles Over Lineage
- The Assassins used institutional continuity (the “Old Man of the Mountain” title) to survive leadership losses.
- Their religious structure made them resilient compared with fragile family-run regimes vulnerable to decapitation.
