Chess history!!!!

Chess is a strategic board game with a history spanning over 1,500 years. It originated in northern India during the 6th century, where it was known as chaturanga, a game representing four military divisions: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. Chaturanga spread to Persia, becoming shatranj, and after the Islamic conquest of Persia, it spread throughout the Muslim world and into Europe by the 9th century.

By the late 15th century in Europe, the rules evolved into their modern form—most notably with the increased power of the queen and bishop. This marked the beginning of modern chess.

The 19th century saw the rise of organized chess competitions, and the first official World Chess Championship was held in 1886. The 20th century brought further international growth, particularly during the Cold War, when chess became a symbol of intellectual rivalry between the Soviet Union and the West.

Today, chess is played globally, both over-the-board and online, with a rich professional scene and millions of casual players.