Minoan warrior metal chess set with gold and silver chessmen and 36 cm brown chessboard
Legacy
The Minoan civilization flourished on the Greek island of Crete 4,500 years ago and was named after King Minos of the mythical city of Knossos. Despite the popular belief that the Minoans were a peaceful civilization, hunting scenes often show shields, helmets, and clothing more befitting the identity of a warrior than a hunter. Furthermore, an empire of this magnitude, with neighbors with great military power such as Egypt and others, could not have been created without a powerful and significant Minoan army.
Chess players
The king is inspired by a fresco relief called The Prince of Lilies in the Palace of Knossos. The serpent goddess (queen) was a matriarchal fertility figure, wearing the garb of the period. The figure of the bishop is inspired by the mythical monster Minotaur, who was imprisoned in the palace labyrinth. The castle is a palace pillar that still stands at Knossos, perfectly preserved in its red color. The double-edged axe held by the soldier (pawn) is a religious symbol of the period, while the knight is inspired by the decoration of the late Minoan years.