Hassan-I-Sabah was the founder of the sect of the Assassins (Hashishim), and he was also known as 'the old

man of the mountain'. They were the first known experiment of a Manchurian candidate. Perched up in Alamut, his fortress (which means 'the Eagle's Nest'), he trained his would-be soldiers as follows, according to Marco Polo's chronicles. - The adept would be given a beverage containing hashish tea, and some other ingredients, with a narcotic effect. Then he would be taken to a part of the palace where a simulation of Paradise was laid out, with wine, gorgeous women, etc., and he would indulge in all possible pleasures there. - Upon rousing, the novice described the event, and was told that he'd had a vision of paradise, which he will reach if he is totally and uncompromisingly obedient to their leader.

That is how ruthless mercenaries and spies were created to serve Hassan.

Ironically, Hassan was friends from childhood with the great Omar Khayyam.