History of Chess – Barbara Mack

The Game of Chess talks about the way of life lived by the medieval period. The six different chess pieces represent a cross-section of medieval grandeur and wars. In the eighth century the Moors invaded Spain and brought the game of chess with them and Spanish started playing the chess. The Europeans gave the names to chess pieces and reflect the way of living.
The Pawns on the Chessboard represent serfs or laborers. They were considered as property of land owners. They worked hard and suffered and died young. They sacrificed to escape from harm the castle piece is the home, or the refuge, on Chessboard each side has two castles. The knight represents the professional soldier of medieval times. They have to protect persons of rank. They are of most importance than Pawns, but less important than Bishops etc. They have to protect important pieces.
The role of Bishop is represents the church. The church played a large part in every person’s life. There are two Bishop for each side and they rise to a powerful position. The Queen is the only woman in the Chessboard and most powerful piece. In the medieval times they were most powerful and even she guides the King also. The King is the tallest piece on the board and is defended on chessboard from every angle. If the King is surrendered then the game is over from the lowest to the highest rank officials tries to protect the King.
Thus a Chessboard not only represents the life of the people but also the rank of the people and how they are used by the higher officials.