Alquerque

Medieval Board Game Engraving

Location: ZORITA DE LOS CANES — SPAIN

Origin: The engraving is located on the cover of a tomb adjacent to Church of San Benito at Zorita Castle.

Significance: The board game known as "Alquerque" was brought from the East to Spain by the Arabs. It was similar to checkers and very popular at the time. Games similar to this one are occasionally found carved on the stone stairs of cathedrals, where the workers undoubtedly played to pass the time. However, in this instance, the game was played on a tomb – a curious location that conveys disrespect for the tomb.