The very first Assassin's Creed video game takes us back to the Third Crusade, and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. As Saladin's Islamic armies tried to reconquer the Holy Land, the Christian rulers of Jerusalem faced as many threats from within as without - perhaps none moreso than Sybilla and Isabella, women who ruled in a men’s world. Matt Lewis is joined by Katherine Pangonis to help understand how these women rose to power - and held onto it - at such a perilous time. Echoes of History is a Ubisof...
Jul 07, 2025•54 min
Assassin’s Creed Rogue lets players explore the frozen world of the Arctic coastline of North America. Players inhabit the memories of Shay Cormac, an Irish Assassin who switches sides to join the Templars, against the backdrop of the Seven Years’ War, or as its American theatre is known, the French-Indian War. Dr Holly Nielsen is joined by James Nadiger, scriptwriter on Assassin’s Creed Rogue , to shed light on the dramatic shifts behind this unusual entry in the series. Echoes of History is a ...
Jun 30, 2025•54 min
Assassin's Creed Rogue and Assassin's Creed III let us sail through the frozen waters of the Northwest Passage at the most dangerous time in history. From Hudson Bay to Hawaii, the coasts of Canada and the USA were mapped as an unintended consequence of history’s greatest explorers trying to find a navigable path from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Just what was it that made this route so hard to find? And how did explorers overcome the fatal challenges it posed? Historian and adventurer Ken McGoo...
Jun 23, 2025•39 min
Assassin’s Creed Rogue allows players to explore the icy landscapes and freezing oceans of the Arctic as it was during the Seven Years’ War. Appropriately, it also lets players hang around with one of history’s greatest explorers: Captain James Cook. What made Cook an exceptional navigator? And how does his depiction in the video game compare to the reality of the man? Historian and adventurer Ken McGoogan helps Dan Snow get under the skin of the celebrated sailor. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft...
Jun 16, 2025•32 min
Assassin's Creed Rogue takes us back to a time when the troubles of royal houses in Europe violently affected the lives of people across the Atlantic Ocean. When the Old World and the New World violently collided in the French-Indian War. But that was just one part of a clash of empires. Professor Emma Hart joins Dan Snow to explain the complex causes and events of an 18th century conflict that was so huge, it might truly claim the title of the first world war: the Seven Years' War. Echoes of Hi...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 3 min
For the past few weeks, we have investigated the history behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey . In this episode, Matt Lewis joins historian and video game writer Holly Nielsen to step into the Animus and uncover how history and gaming interact. Holly speaks exclusively to Benjamin Hall, World Director of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey , about how the developers met the challenge of bringing the past to life. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis, Holly...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey immerses players in the mythology of Ancient Greece. In particular, they can walk in the footsteps of Theseus through the Labyrinth and come face to face with the mythical Minotaur. Commonly associated with the maze-like Knossos palace on Crete, how much of the myth is rooted in reality? Prof Nicoletta Momigliano guides Tristan Hughes through the pathways between myth and reality of the Minoan Labyrinth. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History H...
May 26, 2025•39 min
Assassin's Creed Odyssey lets players spend time with renowned philosopher Sokrates - but it also lets us meet his surprisingly younger and outspoken wife, Xanthippe. Sources are clear that Sokrates valued her independent mind and argumentative nature. This raises the interesting question, to what extent was Sokrates’ worldview influenced and shaped by Xanthippe’s honest companionship? Prof Michael Griffin helps Tristan Hughes to understand this dynamic relationship. Watch Michael's videos about...
May 19, 2025•47 min
Assassin's Creed Odyssey puts us at the heart of the expansive conflict that occurred when Athens went to war with Sparta: the Peloponnesian War. Guest host Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Roel Konijnendijk to recount the causes, events and legacy of this pivotal war in the ancient Greek world. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Tristan Hughes Edited by: Michael McDaid Produced by: Robin McConnell Senior Producer: Anne-Marie Luff Production Manager: ...
May 12, 2025•57 min
For the past few weeks, Matt Lewis has investigated the history behind Assassin’s Creed Syndicate . In this episode, Matt joins historian and video game writer Holly Nielsen to step into the Animus and uncover how history and gaming interact. Holly speaks exclusively to Jeffrey Yohalem, Lead Writer on Assassin’s Creed Syndicate , about how the developers met the challenge of recreating the people and places of the past. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hoste...
May 05, 2025•53 min
Assassin's Creed Syndicate recreates Scotlland Yard, the famous home of the Metropolitan Police Force, and lets players explore its overcrowded nooks and crannies. Today we return to Matt Lewis and Dr Jonah Miller as they put a magnifying lens to the history of both Scotland Yard as a place, and on the policemen and detectives that worked within it. How and when did the Metropolitan Police begin? Why is it called Scotland Yard? And what role did it play in shaping Victorian London? Echoes of His...
Apr 28, 2025•42 min
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate takes players to Victorian London. This was an age of massive social change through technological innovation and cultural exchange, as the industrialised British Empire extended around the world. Perhaps the greatest symbol of Britain’s power and influence at this time was the Great Exhibition and its iconic venue, the Crystal Palace. Tom Furber, Research Fellow at the London Centre for Public History, returns to the podcast to give Matt Lewis a tour of the highlights ...
Apr 21, 2025•43 min
Assassin's Creed Syndicate incorporates technology into its gameplay and story more than any other game in the series. Its setting in Victorian London represents the culmination of a remarkable period of British history known as the Age of Invention. Or does it? Did the Age really end, and are we still living in it? To help Matt Lewis get to grips with the vast and fascinating Age of Invention, he's joined by Dr Anton Howes, author of the Age of Invention blog . Echoes of History is a Ubisoft po...
Apr 14, 2025•56 min
Assassin's Creed Chronicles India begins in the glorious Amritsar Summer Palace, and allows players to climb, jump and fight over its rooftops against the spectacular backdrop of the capital of the Sikh Empire. The Palace was the brainchild of Ranjit Singh. To help conjure the experience of visiting the Summer Palace, and to understand its wider significance, Matt Lewis is joined once again by Davinder Toor. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt L...
Apr 07, 2025•37 min
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India puts players in the heart of the Sikh Empire in 1841, at a time when only the Sikh Empire remained unconquered by the British. Perhaps inevitably, this decade witnessed the bloody Anglo-Sikh Wars. These conflicts would ultimately determine the fate of British power in India, and by extension, the power of Britain worldwide for the next century. To shed light on these complex events, Matt is joined by historian, author and Director of the Sikh Museum Initiative,...
Mar 31, 2025•54 min
Of the many empires that have risen and fallen throughout history, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India draws our attention to one of the mightiest and most short-lived: the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century. One man is considered essential to the Empire's formation and success: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a self-taught, one-eyed warrior who commanded the respect of the British Empire. In this episode, Davinder Toor helps Matt Lewis learn more about this remarkable man. Echoes of History is a Ubiso...
Mar 24, 2025•51 min
5. Assassin's Creed Shadows Review Assassin's Creed Shadows is now available to play! Matt Lewis had advanced access to the new game and stepped into the shoes of a samurai and shinobi in medieval Japan, armed with the knowledge he's gained about Japan's legendary warriors from this special series. He's joined by historian and video game narrative designer Holly Nielsen, who brings her experience to review how the developers of Assassin's Creed adapted real history into entertainment. Echoes of ...
Mar 20, 2025•34 min
Assassin's Creed Shadows gives us the chance to explore the places where history occurred. One such place is recreated in remarkable detail: Azuchi Castle. Built by Oda Nobunaga as his ultimate stronghold, not only was its site of huge strategic significance, but it revolutionised Japanese castle-building and lent its name to a new era of Japanese history: the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Professor Oleg Benesch, author of Japanese Castles: Citadels Of Modernity In War And Peace joins Matt Lewis to ex...
Mar 17, 2025•46 min
Chasing Shadows 4. Warfare Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, what is the difference between samurai and shinobi? This episode thrusts us into the thick of combat. How did samurai battle tactics compare to shinobi...
Mar 13, 2025•43 min
Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces us to some of Japan's mightiest historical leaders. Yet, "beside every great man is an ever greater woman". One of the women behind the great unifiers of this era was Lady Nene. Wife of Toyotomi HIdeyoshi, one of the highest-ranking men in Sengoku Japan, she arguably wielded as much political sway as her husband… Matt Lewis is joined once again by Lesley Downer to explain the role Lady Nene played in the unification of Japan, and what her story tells us about ...
Mar 10, 2025•33 min
Chasing Shadows 3. Weapons Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, what is the difference between samurai and shinobi? This episode dives into the tools of the trade - from katana to grappling hook, samurai helmets to ...
Mar 06, 2025•36 min
Assassin's Creed Shadows transports players to a formative period in Japanese history - the Sengoku era, when warlords vied for control of Japan, and new technology changed samurai warfare forever: the introduction of matchlock guns. Nate Ledbetter joins Matt Lewis to recount the events of the celebrated Battle of Nagashino - and to present a new perspective on the battle that saw samurai traditions confront the power of the gun. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History ...
Mar 03, 2025•57 min
Chasing Shadows 2. Politics Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, what is the difference between samurai and shinobi? This episode explores the political structures of medieval imperial Japan. How much power did the ...
Feb 27, 2025•30 min
Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to visit the imperial capital of medieval Japan. But today, we're heading to a mountain lying just northeast of the capital: Mount Hiei, a sacred site that was protected by a powerful army of warrior monks. Dr Chris Harding, Senior Lecturer in Asian History from the University of Edinburgh, returns to help Matt Lewis understand what life was like on Mount Hiei during the late Sengoku period; its role in the story of Japanese unification; and what...
Feb 24, 2025•38 min
Chasing Shadows 1. Culture Assassin's Creed Shadows gives players the chance to experience history as two icons of medieval Japan: samurai and shinobi (known today as ninja). In this special series, Matt Lewis and Professor Eric Rath from the University of Kansas take an in-depth look at how these legendary warriors lived and answer the question, what is the difference between samurai and shinobi? This episode explores the warriors' culture. Did samurai really live by a code called bushido ? Wha...
Feb 20, 2025•37 min
In the world of Assassin's Creed Shadows , the legendary Hattori Hanzo embodies both samurai and shinobi warriors, and earned himself the nickname "The Demon". How did Hanzo reach such legendary status? And what does his story tell us about the loyalties of samurai and shinobi in Sengoku Japan? Joining Matt Lewis to answer these questions and more are Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, authors of Ninja Attack!: True Tales Of Assassins, Samurai And Outlaws . You can keep up to date with Hiroko and Matt's ...
Feb 17, 2025•42 min
Assassin’s Creed Unity puts players right into the Parisian streets where the bloody events of the Reign of Terror occurred, and gives us the chance to see the gruesome guillotine up close. But were public executions all there was to the Terror? How did such a notorious period come about? And what lessons can we learn from it today? To answer these questions, Matt Lewis talks to returning guest Prof. David Andress from the University of Portsmouth, author of The Terror: Civil War in the French R...
Feb 10, 2025•54 min
Assassin’s Creed Unity allows us to confront one of the most controversial men in history: Maximillien Robespierre. What made him such a successful leader, yet so despised by his followers? To get a better understanding of the man behind so much death, Matt Lewis speaks to Dr Ruth Scurr from the University of Cambridge, author of Fatal Purity: Robespierre and the French Revolutionaries . Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis Edited by: Robin...
Feb 03, 2025•50 min
Notre Dame is arguably the world’s most famous cathedral and has watched over the Parisian skyline since its construction in the Middle Ages. But we are lucky that it remains standing at all. Dr Emma Wells joins Matt Lewis to reveal how Notre Dame acquired this symbolic status. How was it built? And how did the French Revolution nearly destroy it? Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis Edited by: Tim Arstall Produced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McC...
Jan 27, 2025•47 min
Assassin’s Creed Revelations lets us meet a young Suleiman before he became Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, and long before he became “the Magnificent”. Matt Lewis is joined by Prof. Giancarlo Cassale to explain how Suleiman earned his epithet, and how the game’s presentation of him compares to reality. Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt Lewis Edited by: Tim Arstall Produced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnell, Peta Stamper Senior Producer: Anne-Mari...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 1 min
