The Great Cataclysm
The solar flare that ended the age of gods and birthed humanity's struggle for freedom.
The Great Cataclysm 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.
- Event Type
- Planetary Disaster
- Primary Cause
- Solar Flare Interaction with Isu Technology
- Era
- Prehistoric / End of First Civilization Era
- Key Survivors
- First Civilization Remnants, Early Humans
- Legacy
- Creation of the Pieces of Eden and Hidden Ones
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 cataclysm set the stage for the eternal struggle between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.
In Their Own Story
The sky above the Grand Temple burned a violent shade of violet as the alarms blared through the pristine white halls. Kassandra, no not her ancestor, but an Isu scientist named Aita stared at the monitors displaying the solar activity spiking beyond all safety parameters. Outside, the cities of Atlantis glowed with dying light, and the screams of humanity echoed against the rising heat. He knew there was no escape from the flare's reach, only the cold embrace of the sleep chambers. With trembling hands, he initiated the final protocol, sealing the doors just as the world turned to fire.
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.
Did You Know?
- The Grand Temple was constructed specifically to protect select Isu members from the solar flare's radiation.
- Most Pieces of Eden were designed with fail-safes to activate only if humanity reached a certain level of technological maturity.
- Modern-day characters often refer to this event as 'the Disaster' when discussing the origins of the Templar- Assassin conflict.