Origins of chess Details, Meaning Origins of chess Article and Explanation Guide

Origins of chess Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description

The origin of chess is one of the most controversial areas of board gaming history. While it is generally thought that chess originated from the Indian game Chatrang from around 1400 years ago, the evidence for this theory is limited.

Countries which, at one time or the other, have been associated with invention of chess include China, India, Egypt, Greece, Assyria, Persia, Arabia, Ireland and Uzbekistan.

The earliest evidence for chess is the middle-Persian epic Karnamak-i-Artakhshatr-i-Papakan which mentioned the hero as being skilled at chess (more details at Chess in early literature), this work is dated with some reserve at 600 CE, the work could be as early as 260 CE and as late as 1000 CE. The earliest evidence which we can date with some certainty is in early Arabic chess literature dating from the early 9th century.

Although no strong evidence exists, it is commonly speculated that the game entered Persia during the reign of Khusraw I Nűshîrwân (531-578 CE).

Many of the early works on chess gave a legendary history of the invention of chess, often associating it with Nard (a game of the Tables variety like Backgammon) however only limited credence can be given to these. Even as early as the tenth century Zakaria Yahya commented on the chess myths, "It is said to have been played by Aristotle, by Yafet Ibn Nuh (Japhet son of Noah), by Sam ben Nuh (Shem), by Solomon for the loss of his son, and even by Adam when he grieved for Abel". In one case the invention of chess was attributed to Moses (by the rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra 1130 CE).