Minoan Metal Chess Set 36×36 blue chessboard with gold and silver chessmen

Inspiration: Minoan civilization flourished in the Greek island of Crete  45000 years ago an was named after the mythic King of the city of Knossos, Minos. Despite the common belief that Minoans were a peceful civilization where , war played a little to no role, hunting scenes often featured shields , helmets and garb suited more to a warrior’s identity, than to a hunter’s. Moreover , an empire of that magnitute, with neighbors with great military power such as Egypt and others could not be built without  powerful and significant Minoan army.

Chessmen background: The king is inspired from a fresco relief named Prince of the Lilies, in the Knossos Palace. The Goddess of the Snakes (Queen) was the matriarchal figure of fertility, wearing the garment of the era. The Bishop figure is inspired by the mythical monster Minotaur that was imprisoned in the labyrinth of the Palace. The Castle is a pilar of the Palace ,still standing at Knossos to this day, admirably maintaining its red colours. The double axe that the soldier (Pawn) holds, is a religious symbol of the period and the Knight is inspired by the decorations of the late Minoan years.