Chess History: The Rook

The rook in chess started out as a transportation piece. In the 11th century chess set from Florence, Italy (a city known for its fine art), the rook was an elephant that could crush foot solders below it and carry passengers. In the 15th century chess set from London, England,  the rook became a tall tower that was part of a castle. In the game of chess a king is related to his rook by the means of castling. Hense the rook (tower) is part of a castle.

Let me tell you about about King Ludwig II of Bavaria who built some of the most beautiful castles in Southern Germany in the 18th century. One of his castles called Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney Disneyland Castle in their theme parks across the world.