Checkmate: 1,000-year-old chess set to be auctioned

A chess set that is more than 1,000 years old is being sold at auction. The 10th century set forms part of a sale of items that are related to the ancient game, said to be of “huge significance” to its history. The set is believed to have been made in the city of Nishapur, north-east Persia (the former name for Iran), in the Samanid period and consists of pieces that are the equivalent to modern pawns, knights, bishops, rook and the king and queen.

… the collection carries huge significance in the evolution of the game throughout Persia and the Middle East.

Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s said the set is important to the understanding of how chess developed and was spread throughout the Middle East. It is believed to have originated in India some time before the 6th century before spreading to Persia and the rest of Europe and Asia along trade routes including the Silk Road.

chess set