Hasan chose a hidden valley for the site of his paradise ,

described by Marco Polo , who passed this way in 1271.

This and other conjuring tricks like the deep,

narrow pit sunk into the floor of his audience-chamber ,

had effects that increased the enthusiasm for martyrodom to the required degree.

Everywhere he created a really devoted disciple(fidayi).

His trusted lieutenant , Hussein Kahini , reported

that the Iraki district where the fortress of Alamut

was situated seemed to be an ideal place for proselytism .

The year was A.D. 1090 .

Hasan was now ready for the next part of his plan.

He attacked and murdered through his assassins

the Vizier Nizam-ul-Mulk (stabbed to the heart),

the Emperor Malik Shah (poisoned) .

Hasan's revenge upon his class-fellow was to make him

the very first target of his reign of terror.

With the King's death ,

the whole realm was split up into warring factions.

For long the Assassins alone retained their cohesion.

In under a decade

they had made themselves masters of all Persian Irak ,

and of many forts throughout the empire.

By now the entire loyalty of the Ismaelis

under him had been transferred from the Caliph

to the personality of the Sheikh of the Mountain,

who became the terror of every prince in that part of Asia ,

the Crusaders chiefs included.

"Despite and despising fatigues , dangers and tortures

the Assassins joyfully gave their lives whenever

it pleased the great master ,

who required them either to protect himself or to carry out ,

the faithful , clothed in a white tunic with a red sash ,

the colours of innocence and blood ,

went on their mission without being deterred by distance or danger.

Having found the person they sought ,

they awaited the favourable moment for slaying him ,

and their daggers seldom missed their aim ."