Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—April 11: A Mysterious Medieval Chess Set Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 8, 2026 •History On this day in 1831, nearly 80 medieval-era Norse chess pieces went on exhibition at Edinburgh’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Carved from walrus tusk ivory and whale teeth, the striking pieces—with idiosyncratic expressions and detailed vestments and armaments—inspired more questions than they answered, but they were immediately adored. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on April 11, or any other day...

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