During the late 1000's a Persian called Hasan founded a Mohammedan religious Order. They were mystics and took drugs, and they murdered their enemies. The Order was tightly disciplined. In 1090 Hasan made his headquarters in Khorassan in a castle called Alamut, which meant the Eagle's Nest. Hasan and his followers were called Sheikh-el-jebel, the 'Old Man of the Mountains' to Europeans. Hasan's followers were called Hashshashin, hashish-eaters, which became Assassins in English. Assassination means murdering for religious or political reasons. The Assassins had an active headquarters in Syria and many secret branches. They were opposed to the religious views of most rulers of the Mohammedan world. For 150 years they terrorized the Middle East with religious and political murders. Even Saladin was unable to destroy them. They often allied with the European Crusaders against their fellow religionists. Only in 1255 was their power ended. Assassinations have been committed in almost every country. Source: Herver Junior World Encyclopedia.