Rithmomachia - "The Philosopher's Game"

Rithmomachia, also known as "The Philosopher's Game" has been played since the 11th Century!
 
This complex chess-like game appeared in the western world around the year 1000. The game knew a great burst of popularity in the 15th century, because of some rules changes.
 
Rithmomachia is Latin for Battle of Numbers; the game is at once a battle of pawns and a battle of numbers. To play, one must be able to do a lot of quick mental arithmetic, as we shall see. This is why this game was, throughout its period, very elitist, being played mostly by high ranking churchmen and nobles.
 
It's a little like Chess but captures happen if you can make the numbers work for you!
 
Included is a beautifully engraved box with an image of the board from 1556 also included on the underside of the lid. 
 
The italian birch plywood board comes in two interlocking parts so it stays secure through your game and measures 300x300x80mm.
 
Included also are all your engraved, wooden game pieces in handmade bags (colours may vary from picture)
 
We will also included a short guide to the game so you can jump straight into history as soon as you open the box!