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DEC20
The last day for guaranteed Christmas delivery to the UK was Tuesday 15th December.
Please be aware that orders placed now are not guaranteed for pre-Christmas delivery (we will however do our best).
Extended returns period - our 30 day no quibble returns policy is extended to January 31st 2024 on all purchases.
Product Description
- Beautifully crafted in Italy.
- Exquisitely ornate.
- 3 inch king.
- Felted bases.
- Ideal for a 16 inch board.
THE PIECES
We do not believe these pieces are based on any particular historical figures but that does not detract from their stunning detail.
The Roman Army, dressed in rustic colours, boasts a king that whilst uncharacteristically in simple dress, exudes a quiet wisdom and leadership qualities. His queen too is a demure yet determined and supportive partner.
By comparison the bishop too is uncharacteristically portrayed in this set. Normally a figure of learning and wisdom, the Roman bishop has a centurion air about him and he looks ready to do battle with the best of them. The knight is a dramatic combination of soldier and steed, blended into a single fighting force, whilst the pawns are typically attired Roman soldiers poised to defend their king and country. A towering fortress depicts the rooks that make up this intimidating army.
The Greek Royals too are simply adorned in traditional Greek robes but radiate a quiet majesty and regal air. By comparison the bishop is handsomely adorned and like the Roman bishop seems to have more military edge than a religious one. The Greek soldier upon a white steed makes for a stunning knight and again a fortress plays the rook. The smartly dressed pawns have swords drawn and shields raised ready to fight for their king.
We have matched these dramatic chess men with a stunning walnut and maple board from Spain to give you The Romans vs Greeks Chess Set. With or without the board, this set is a perfect gift for any Roman/Greek history or chess enthusiast.
THE HISTORY
A series of conflicts between the Roman Republic and several different major Greek kingdoms ran from 214-148 BC and were known as The Macedonian Wars. Traditionally, The Macedonian Wars include four battles with Macedonia, together with one with the Seleucid Empire and a minor conflict with the Achaean League. The latter of these is considered to be the final stage of the final Macedonian War.
The most significant war was that fought with the Seleucid Empire, a state ruled by the Seleucid dynasty. Founded by Seleucus | Nicator following the dissolution of the Macedonian Empire and vastly expanded by Alexander the Great, this dynasty existed from 312 BC to 63 BC. The war with Macedonia was the second significant but both these wars effectively marked the end of these empires as dominant world powers.
Four separate wars were fought against the weaker Macedonia, due to its geographic proximity to Rome. Macedonian independence gradually disintegrated under Roman influence and dissolved into what was becoming a leading global empire. The now-deteriorating Seleucid Empire suffered the same outcome, though the growing influence of Parthia and Pontus prevented any additional conflicts between it and Rome. It wasn't until the time of the Roman Empire that the eastern Mediterranean, along with the entire Roman world, was organized into provinces under explicit Roman control.
Please note that as these pieces are hand painted, there may be some inconsistencies in the level of detail and colour and therefore your pieces may be very slightly different from the images shown. Any inconsistencies however are minimal.
