the word "assassin" comes from hashishin, a muslim group that was active in the middle east from the 8th to the 14th centuries. this secret society killed people for political and religious reasons. it is thought that the assassins were under the influence of hashish and opium during their killings or during their training. the word "assassin" comes from either "hashashim", the influence of the drugs, or "hassansin", after their leader, hassan-i sabbah.