Ancient Chess History Unearthed

BBC ^ | 7-27-2002

[blam]

Saturday, 27 July, 2002, 16:22 GMT 17:22 UK

Ancient chess history unearthed

The chess piece was found in the ancient city of Butrint

A team of British archaeologists have unearthed evidence suggesting that Europeans were playing chess as early as the sixth century. An ivory chess piece, excavated at a Byzantine palace in what is now southern Albania, is more than 500 years older than any previously discovered.

Leaders of the University of Anglia expedition said it proves the game has a much longer history in Europe than was previously thought.

Until now chess historians had agreed that the game only became popular with the European elite during the 12th century, 700 years after it was invented in China, India or ancient Persia.

Walrus ivory

The chess piece, which is only lightly damaged, was unearthed in the ancient city of Butrint.

Professor Richard Hodges said: "We are wondering if it is the king or queen because it has a little cross but we are not sure."

The chess piece was found in Butrint, Albania

The team is now trying to find out exactly which piece they have found.

He said historians believed chess became popular in the early 12th century, because of walrus ivory chessmen found in Scotland's Outer Hebrides.

Other pieces were found as far afield as southern Italy.

"However, it now looks as though it was already being played in the central Mediterranean over 500 years earlier," Professor Hodges said.

The excavation team, which works with local archaeologists, also discovered coins.

[rdb3]

I'm there! Just bookmarked the site.

[tictoc]

Book? What need do I have of a book? I am Alekhine, chess champion of the world. This is my cat. Her name is Chess. I need no books.

Actually about half of the time when I play 1. ...Nf6 White next moves Nc3, transposing into some form of Pirc/Modern defense. But I get more wins when White assaults my horsey with an avalanche of pawns and I can attack the overextended center :-)

[Sunsong]

"I posted one message to the discussion board, using a top-secret pseudonym."

LOL -- hope I'll be able to recognize you:-). Hey, that's fantastic!

"Also went to look at the Games section. LOL it's correspondence chess only!

"One move per day! To me a ten-minute game is glacially slow..."

Oh no! They're planning to get real-time chess. You're not the only one who wants a fast game! You can play relatively fast on the lobby. That's where I play if I want a fast game. And lots of people move more than once a day. That's the minimum.

I like correspondence because I learn so much having time to think about a move -- but then, I *need* the time -LOL

[Sunsong]

Fantastic, I'll be on the lookout for you :-). Thanks

[fnord]

been 15 years since I played competively ... I seem to remember quite a few transpositions, mostly to quite lively positions. I liked to play 1. e4 Nf6 from both sides :-)

[SunkenCiv]

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