Description
Vintage Cast Metal Plated Historical Romaans vs. Egyptian Theme Chessmen
Offered here is a striking set of vintage Romans vs Egyptians Metal Chessmen. This set of chessmen captures one of history’s most dramatic confrontations: the clash between the disciplined legions of Rome and the ancient splendor of Ptolemaic Egypt. The chessmen are rafted in substantial cast metal with contrasting silver and gold plating to clearly distinguish the two sides.
The Roman side appears in cool silver plating, evoking the iron and steel of the legions. The Egyptian side glows in warm gold plating, reflecting the sunbaked monuments and treasures of the Nile. Every piece is rich in historical detail, from the crested helmets and large round shields of the Roman legionaries to the hieroglyph-covered obelisks and camel-mounted warriors of Egypt.
King height: 3-1/8 inches (approximately 79 mm) Base diameter: 1 inch (25 mm) Material: Cast metal alloy with silver and gold plating Complete set: 32 pieces (16 per side)
Roman Side (Silver Plated)
- King: Bearded figure in draped military attire
- Queen: Veiled noblewoman
- Bishops: Toga-clad Roman dignitary
- Knights: Rearing horses
- Rooks: Corinthian columns
- Pawns: Roman legionaries with helmets, shields, and spears
Egyptian Side (Gold Plated)
- King: Pharaoh with characteristic headdress and crossed arms
- Queen: Female figure with elaborate headdress
- Bishops: Staff-bearing Egyptian officials or priests
- Knights: Camel riders in traditional Egyptian dress
- Rooks: Tall obelisks covered in hieroglyphs and sacred symbols
- Pawns: Kneeling Egyptian attendants in traditional poses
The set is a superb example of mid-to-late 20th-century decorative metal chess art, and perfect for both play and display. This set of Romans vs Egyptians Metal Chessmen is offered exactly as pictured in the detailed photographs. Any minor plating wear consistent with age and careful use only adds to its vintage character. Chess pieces play and display best on a chessboard with 1-7/8″ or 2-0″ squares. The chessmen were likely produced in Italy around `1975. No chessboard is included with this offering, but a suitable chessboard can be found here.
Some History.
The conflict that ended the Ptolemaic dynasty and made Egypt a Roman province reached its climax in the final years of the Roman Republic. After Julius Caesar’s assassination, Mark Antony allied himself with Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Their partnership threatened Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus), who declared war on Cleopatra in 32 BC.
The decisive Battle of Actium (31 BC) saw Octavian’s fleet crush the combined forces of Antony and Cleopatra. In 30 BC Roman legions entered Egypt. Antony and Cleopatra both took their own lives, and Egypt was formally annexed as a Roman province. This victory not only ended three centuries of Ptolemaic rule but also marked the birth of the Roman Empire itself. The chess set symbolizes that pivotal moment: the ordered might of Rome against the exotic, ancient power of Egypt.
