6. Medieval Propaganda of the Deed
The Assassins practiced “propaganda of the deed” whenever possible. They were not content to simply murder their victims, but sought to do so in as dramatic and public a manner as possible. Especially targets who had enveloped themselves in the heaviest layers of protective security. Assassin killer squads studied the routines of targeted leaders, then lay in wait for them during heavily attended public events, such as a festival or Friday prayers at the mosque. At a signal given at an opportune moment, they would spring into action to stab and slash their victim, while shouting the name of their cult’s leader and whatever offense the victim had given.
By public killings in front of as many horrified witnesses as possible, the Assassins aimed to advertise their cult’s reach. They also sought to strike fear into the hearts of leading men, by fostering the perception that those targeted by the Assassins were dead men walking, no matter the precautions taken.
