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Are historically speaking are assassins a real thing? Like lets say I know a guy who will do a job for such and such money. Or are they all just one offs who gets lucky? (self.askhistorians)

submitted 1 month ago by Don_Dickle to c/askhistorians

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[–] satanmat 9 points 1 month ago (2 children)

I’d love to see everyone from the Reddit sub move over here. The quality is just so good.

Alas here I am linking to Wiki

Carlos the Jackal

Both is likely the correct answer, there have been a few; but most likely myth overshadows reality

[–] setsneedtofeed 4 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

This is a good hitman figure to highlight. Notable he had KGB and Stasi support, rather than working for random individuals. One off hitmen for random individuals are a thing, and I'm sure at least a few of them have done repeat business, but most prolific hitmen do jobs for organizations for sure.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

The name assassin comes from hashish

Idk if that makes them historical but I think it's an interesting factoid

[–] setsneedtofeed 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

This sounds more like you are specifically talking about hitman for hire, rather than just assassins. Assassins obviously exist.

Hitmen for hire have existed as well, but historically they more often tend to be tied up with organized crime, rather than a random number any person can call up for a job.

I know Wikipedia is not the best source, but it is a starting point. Look at the notable persons segment and take note how it is almost entirely organized crime related.

[–] Don_Dickle -4 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Yea but I hardly believe like the Roman empire had organized crime groups. I get they exist but usually you just here about on job and then nothing else. Why is that?

[–] wjrii 9 points 1 month ago

I hardly believe like the Roman empire had organized crime groups.

With organized life, comes organized crime.

[–] setsneedtofeed 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Crime. Crime never changes.

I get they exist but usually you just here about on job and then nothing else. Why is that?

High profile assassinations by lone individuals usually end with the killer getting caught or killed. Usually not an action undertaken by someone of sound and professional mind. If you want to read up on the careers of long time hitmen, you can find books on them for sure, but the kinds of killings they do aren't usually national news.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Doesn't South American cartels have hitmen?

Or do I don't get the difference between paid killer and assassin?

[–] Don_Dickle 1 points 1 month ago

Same here hopefully someone can answer.