Celestial ChessLes échecs célestes |
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This game was called al-Falakîya Shatranj, "Celestial" Chess. It was described by both al-Mas'ûdî (10th century) and al-Amulî (14th century). Unfortunately, the description are incomplete and unintelligible (ref: Murray). DESCRIPTION: The board had 12 squares corresponding to the number of the constellations of the zodiac, divided into two halves. 7 pieces of different colours move on it, in agreement with the number and colours of the 5 planets and 2 luminaries (Murray, p343) This description seems related to the game named Escaques which was described in the Spanish codex from Alfonso X in 1283. OTHER SHATRANJ VARIANTS: |
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A Persian astrolab
09/01/2010