Images of Medieval Art and Architecture
The Treasure of Saint Denis
Chessmen of Charlemagne
Images
Notes
- Made of elephant Ivory.
- Originally 30 pieces, only 16 are extant.
- Though there was a legend that they had belonged to Charlemagne, chess was not introduced into Europe until around 1000 A.D.. These pieces are believed to have been created in Italy at the end of the 11th century.
- In 1793, they were taken to the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.
Bibliography
Bibliothèque Nationale website
Return to
Last updated by:JV Date:
November 29, 2006
.
