An Animated History Explaining the Origins of Chess

In a tactical Ted Ed video essay written by Alex Gendler and animated by Remus Buznea and Kyra Kupetsky, narrator Adrian Dannatt explains the origins of the game of chess in 7th century India. He also explains what the game symbolizes, how it has changed and evolved over time, how the game has been interpreted in modern society, and how it remains a simple test of strategic thought.

Trace the storied history of the game of chess, from its origins in 7th century India to the computer software we use today. …Over the 1,500 years of its existence, chess has been known as a military strategy tool, a metaphor for human affairs and a measure of genius