Beautifully ornate chessmen. Crafted in Italy. 3.25 inch king. Felted bases Ideal for a 16 inch board. THE CHESSMEN The Russian pieces are typically adorned in traditional costume, from the tall burly King to his elegantly robed Queen and the Cossack styled bishop. The detail is superb even in the chain mail worn by the pawns and knights. The onion domed dwelling, depicting the rook, is a perfect miniature of Russian architecture. The Mongolian army is dressed traditionally with Genghis Khan being instantly recognisable from his facial features, helmet and flowing robes. His Queen is very regal looking in her costume and once again, the creativity of Italfama has presented us with stunning miniatures of the ger (or yurt), the tent-like dwelling of the Mongolian people. We have matched these pieces with a beautiful 15.75 inch walnut and maple board to give you The Russians v Mongolians Chess Set. With or without the board, this is a perfect set for someone interested in historical events. THE HISTORY It was the successful invasion of the Caucasus in 1221 and a small part of Russia in 1222 that accelerated the Mongol rule over Russia. This domination lasted nigh on 250 years. Genghis Khan charged his competent generals, Jebe and Subotai, to march through the hazardous Caucasus Mountains in the direction of Russia. In a series of attacks and tactical manoeuvres, these two generals seized the advantage and ordered an all out assault on the Russian front. Eventually, Prince Mstislav of Kiev surrendered, on the condition they would remain unharmed on their return to Kiev. He was executed and his men slaughtered. Further attacks and battles ensued over the years. Cities were levelled and populations exterminated. By 1242, some 15 years after the death of Genghis Khan, the Mongolian Army had secured all of Russia and Old Sarai became the nerve centre of the Mongol control. Known as the Golden Horde, this headquarters endured for almost 250 years. Russia finally broke free of Mongol rule in 1480, thanks to Ivan III of Moscow and the rise of the Muscovite state.