<P> Assassination, the murder of an opponent or well - known public figure, is one of the oldest tools of power struggles, as well as the expression of certain psychopathic disorders . It dates back to the earliest governments and tribal structures of the world . </P> <P> Chanakya (c. 350--283 BC), an Indian teacher, philosopher and royal advisor, wrote about assassinations in detail in his political treatise Arthashastra . His student Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire of India, later made use of assassinations against some of his enemies, including two of Alexander's generals Nicanor and Philip . </P> <P> Towards the end of the Warring States period (3rd century BC) in China, the state Qin rose to hegemony over other states . The Prince of the state Yan felt the threat and sought to remove the Qin king (later Qin Shi Huang) and sent Jing Ke for the mission . The assassination attempt was foiled and Jing Ke was killed on the spot . </P> <P> The Old Testament story of Judith illustrates how a woman frees the Israelites by tricking and assassinating Holofernes, the war - leader of the enemy Assyrians with whom the Israelites were at war . </P>

Who was the first person to be assassinated