Teacher Goes Viral For Teaching History By Playing Assassin's Creed In Class

Instead of relying on traditional history textbooks and documentaries, which are usually the first tools considered for teaching history, this educator decided to take a unique approach to engage his students.

He has become a sensation on TikTok after sharing videos where he uses Assassin's Creed as a teaching aid, aiming to make history lessons more interactive and captivating.

The reason behind choosing this popular video game is its rich references to significant historical periods, such as Ancient Egypt and the American Revolution, within its gameplay.

Social Studies teacher Mr. Mahathey utilized Assassin's Creed Odyssey to highlight The Battle of Thermopylae, offering his students a vivid depiction of ancient Greece. 

This innovative method certainly captured the students' attention.

In the video, Mr. Mahathey is seen pointing out to the students:

The game was used to teach students history. Credit: UbiSoft

"So, right there, that's going to be the entrance to Thermopylae. That's a very narrow passageway in order for the Persians and the Greeks to fight."

The reaction on TikTok was overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising his dynamic teaching approach.

One viewer said: "this is how teaching should be done. Not with AC specifically. But creating a teaching style that students can relate to, and engage with."

Another viewer shared: "That's smart i would 100 percent pay way more attention if my teacher did this."

And yet another added: "This is an amazing use of technology that is so engaging for students. I would have retained so much more with this imagery. Love it."

The video, aptly named 'Teaching the Battle of Thermopylae with Assassin's Creed', has amassed over 700,000 views, suggesting that Mr. Mahathey's approach has struck a chord with many.

This method has also sparked conversations among experts about the educational potential of video games.

Specifically, the game's depiction of Ancient Egypt has been noted for its informative value.

Dr. Kate Sheppard, an associate professor of History and Political Science at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and Dr. Chris Naunton, a writer, broadcaster, and Egyptologist, have both spoken to GamesRadar, highlighting the game's potential as an educational tool:

The game was used to teach history to his students. Credit: TikTok / @mrmahathey

"I like to think that we can show the Egyptological community that video games can provide an incredibly realistic and immersive experience of a reconstructed past, which can be done with credibility and accuracy!"

"And I guess we hope to provide some of the solid history and archaeology for gamers who are familiar with the game and environment but maybe not the real-world evidence that's been used to create it."

This innovative approach by Mr. Mahathey not only makes history more accessible and engaging for students but also showcases the potential of video games as a valuable educational resource.