Discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, [2] they may constitute some of the few complete, surviving medieval chess sets, although it is not clear if a single complete period-accurate set can be assembled from the pieces.

Mar 19, 2025 · Single chess/chaturanga pieces have been found that date back as far as the 5th century; however, complete or even partial sets from before the 17th century are very rare. Following are some of the oldest known chess sets in existence.

Handcrafted from walrus tusks and whale teeth in the 12th century, these pieces have now become iconic representations of our lifelong passion for war games today. However, their origins are a matter of debate and speculation. The world’s most renowned chess set is shown in this illustrated article.

Aug 1, 2023 · Considered by some to be the earliest chessmen in Europe, these 19 pieces were uncovered within the confines of a much older Roman tomb. The Venafro Chess Set's discovery within an ancient Roman tomb adds a fascinating layer …

Aug 27, 2024 · Historic chess sets have captivated collectors with their intricate designs and rich stories. Each set carries the essence of the era it was crafted in, making them valuable artifacts. From medieval times to royal courts, these chess sets are more than just games; they are symbols of art and culture.

The Isle of Lewis chess sets contains the oldest known ecclesiastical bishop. The Isle of Lewis chess pieces were found in March, 1831 in an underground chamber on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis (Uig Bay) in the Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland.

We have hundreds of figurine chess sets covering almost any theme from medieval chess sets with knights on horseback to major conflicts such as the American Civil War or World War II. There are even whimsical and unique themes of fantasy and literature.

Chess Set This unique near-complete (one pawn is missing) set dating from the Seljuk period beautifully illustrates the abstract figures typical of many medieval chess sets from the Islamic (and Islamic-influenced) world. Shah (king) and firzan (vizier, the European queen) are stylized representations of a larger and smaller throne, while the ...

Apr 1, 2024 · Chess player Afrasiab is the oldest chess player. Among the many treasures discovered in the excavations at Afrasaib in present-day Uzbekistan, the oldest version of chess was Chataranga, which consisted of seven pieces.

The Isle of Lewis Chess Set is made up of more than 70 chess pieces, including kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns. The British Museum houses the majority—82 pieces—while the National Museum of Scotland has 11 pieces.