[MR] History Blog: Sandomierz Chess Set DNA Tested

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Yesterday's History Blog discussed recent DNA testing on the Sandomierz
Chess Set, a 12th or 13th century set from Sandomierz Castle in Poland.

The set was previously thought to have been of middle eastern origin, and
carved from elephant ivory or deer antlers. Prince Henry I, son of Polish
king Boleslaus III, was believed to have acquired the chess set while on
Crusade. Sandomierz castle was Prince Henry's seat.

DNA samples from the pieces revealed that the chessmen are of local Polish
manufacture. The pieces were actually carved from horse and cow bones,
except for a single pawn, a later replacement, which is from a red deer
bone. It is thought that half the set was pigmented, but the color has been
completely lost. Detailing on the pieces is similar to other Polish bone
objects from the same era.

The set is the most complete yet found in Poland from this era. Only three
pawns are missing.

The story and photos are at http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66860 .

More about Sandomierz Castle is at
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandomierz_Castle .

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆