Oldest Chess Piece Unearthed in Jordan Sheds Light on Game’s Origins
Discovery of the Humayma Rook
In 1991, archaeologists excavating the ancient Islamic trading post of Humayma in Jordan stumbled upon a small sandstone figurine that has since been identified as the oldest known chess piece. The two-pronged rook, which measures less than an inch high, was initially thought to be an altar, but further examination revealed its true nature.
Dating the Rook
Researchers have dated the Humayma rook to between 680 and 749 A.D., based on the historical context of the site and the style of the carving. This places the piece within the Umayyad period, when the powerful Abbasid family controlled the region.
Chess in the Islamic World
The discovery of the Humayma rook sheds light on the rapid spread of chess across the Islamic world. Chess likely originated in India during the sixth century and quickly gained popularity in Persia. By the seventh century, the game had reached the Middle East and was being played by both Muslims and Christians.
The Abbasids and Chess
Humayma was the hometown of the Abbasid clan, which overthrew the Umayyads in 750 A.D. and ruled much of the Islamic world until 1258 A.D. The Abbasids were known for their patronage of the arts and sciences, and it is likely that they played a role in the spread of chess.
Chess as a Pastime
Chess quickly became a popular pastime in the early Islamic world. It was enjoyed by people of all social classes, from the elite to the common folk. The game was seen as a way to bridge differences and promote intellectual stimulation.
Evolution of the Rook
The two-pronged Humayma rook is a variation on the chess piece’s original form, which was a chariot pulled by two horses. When chess arrived in the Islamic world, the rook’s appearance shifted due to the prohibition on figurative images. However, the piece retained its original name, “rukh” in Persian, meaning “chariot.” When Europeans adopted the game centuries later, they interpreted the prongs as masonry work on forts or towers, and so the rook became the castle seen today.
Other Early Chess Pieces
While the Humayma rook is the oldest known chess piece that has been definitively identified, there are other specimens that may have a claim to the title. A set of figurines found in Uzbekistan in 1977 dates to around 700 A.D., and an ivory piece unearthed in a Byzantine palace in Albania in 2002 resembles a modern chess piece with a cross on top. However, critics argue that chess was likely not even invented at this point in history.
Ongoing Search for Older Pieces
Researchers believe that there are probably older chess pieces still waiting to be found. The game was invented at least a century before the Humayma rook was carved, and it is likely that earlier specimens exist. Future archaeological discoveries may shed even more light on the origins and evolution of this ancient and beloved game.
