By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

Assassin's Creed Origins, an action-adventure video game developed and published by Ubisoft, has captivated the hearts and minds of millions worldwide since its release in 2017. Set in the captivating world of ancient Egypt, the game offers a mesmerizing blend of history, mythology, and fiction, all skillfully intertwined to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. One of the most striking aspects of the game is its realistic representation of the foundations of an unfinished Egyptian pyramid, providing players with a unique opportunity to explore the intricacies of this awe-inspiring architectural marvel.

A Step Back in Time

The developers of Assassin's Creed Origins undertook meticulous research and collaborated with historians and Egyptologists to create a historically accurate and visually captivating rendition of ancient Egypt. The game transports players to the Ptolemaic period, a time when Greek and Egyptian cultures intermingled, resulting in a rich tapestry of architectural, artistic, and scientific achievements.

While Assassin's Creed Origins is known for its realistic representation of ancient Egypt, the connection between the game's depiction of an unfinished pyramid and the real-life Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet El Aryan is worth exploring. By analyzing the similarities and differences between these two representations, we can better understand the level of historical accuracy achieved by the game developers and appreciate their commitment to immersing players in a world that echoes the past.

The Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet El Aryan: A Portal into Ancient Construction Techniques

One of the most remarkable in-game accomplishments is the representation of an unfinished Egyptian pyramid. This structure not only adds to the immersive experience but also offers players a rare glimpse into the construction techniques and processes employed by ancient Egyptians. By meticulously designing the unfinished pyramid, the game developers provide an invaluable educational tool for players who are curious about the history and engineering marvels of ancient Egypt.

The game features this kind of uncompleted pyramid specifically in "Desheret Desert". This place on the game’s map is located in the southernmost region of Egypt. Beneath the desert floor rests an unfinished construct, built within a vast artificial canyon.

The Unfinished Northern Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of Baka, is located in Zawyet El Aryan, approximately 8 km south of Giza. Believed to have been constructed during the 4th Dynasty, this ancient structure remains incomplete, providing archaeologists and historians with invaluable insight into the construction techniques and processes of the time. The pyramid's most notable feature is its subterranean chambers, which were carved directly into the bedrock.

The Unfinished Pyramid: A Closer Look

The unfinished pyramid in Assassin's Creed Origins showcases the step-like structure of the monument during its construction phase. This representation offers insight into the building methods used by ancient Egyptians, which relied heavily on ramps, levers, and pulleys to transport massive stone blocks. The game also highlights the labor-intensive nature of these projects, which required thousands of workers to dedicate decades of their lives to the completion of these impressive structures.

While the unfinished pyramid in Assassin's Creed Origins is not an exact replica of the Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet El Aryan, there are several similarities that suggest the game developers drew inspiration from this real-life structure. Both the game's representation and the actual pyramid exhibit the characteristic step-like appearance, with exposed layers of stone blocks representing the core of the monument.

The game's depiction of the unfinished pyramid also highlights the use of ramps and levers in construction, which is consistent with the archaeological findings at Zawyet El Aryan. Furthermore, both the game and the real-life site showcase the massive scale and logistical challenges faced by ancient Egyptian builders, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of pyramid construction.

The game's portrayal of the unfinished pyramid also reveals the intricate planning and organization involved in building such a colossal monument. It showcases the architectural layout, which was carefully designed to align with celestial bodies and incorporate various religious and symbolic elements. The detailed depiction of the pyramid's construction site also provides players with an understanding of the logistical challenges faced by the builders, including the sourcing of materials, storage, and transportation.

Differences and Creative Liberties

While Assassin's Creed Origins does an impressive job of replicating many aspects of ancient Egyptian architecture, it is important to remember that the game is a work of fiction, and the developers have taken some creative liberties. For instance, the game's unfinished pyramid may not be an exact geographical or chronological match to the Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet El Aryan. Additionally, the game's portrayal of the pyramid's purpose and the events surrounding its construction may be more closely tied to the game's narrative than to historical records.

Recreating the Past through Cutting-Edge Graphics

The realistic representation of the unfinished pyramid in Assassin's Creed Origins was made possible through the combination of extensive research, expert consultation, and cutting-edge technology. The game employs advanced graphics and rendering techniques to deliver a visually stunning and immersive experience. By leveraging the power of modern gaming platforms, Assassin's Creed Origins has been able to accurately recreate the magnificence and grandeur of ancient Egypt, providing players with an unforgettable journey through history.

The inclusion of the unfinished Egyptian pyramid in Assassin's Creed Origins is a testament to the game's commitment to historical accuracy and its dedication to providing players with a rich, immersive, and educational experience. By offering a glimpse into the construction techniques and challenges faced by ancient Egyptians, the game enables players to appreciate the impressive architectural feats of this ancient civilization. The developers' painstaking efforts to recreate the past have resulted in a gaming experience that not only entertains but also educates and inspires curiosity about the fascinating world of ancient Egypt.

The unfinished pyramid in Assassin's Creed Origins, while not an exact replica of the Unfinished Northern Pyramid of Zawyet El Aryan, shares several key similarities that demonstrate the game developers' commitment to historical accuracy. By drawing inspiration from real-life archaeological sites, the game provides players with a captivating and educational experience, offering a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the architectural marvels of ancient Egypt. However, it is essential to acknowledge the creative liberties taken by the developers and remember that the game is, ultimately, a work of fiction that seeks to entertain and engage its audience.