kids encyclopedia robot

Croatian checkerboard facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Escutcheon in the Seal of the Kingdom of Croatia 1527
Escutcheon in the Seal of the Kingdom of Croatia

The Croatian checkerboard or chequy (Croatian: šahovnica) is the national symbol of Croatia. It is the main shield of the Croatian coat of arms. On top of the main shield is the crown with five smaller shields. The squares in the šahovnica are always arranged the right way. They are colored red and white. It is considered to be one of the oldest national symbols in Europe.

Origin

There is a legend, probably from the 19th century, which talks about how the Croatian king Držislav, captured by the Venetians, played a chess match. His opponent was Doge Pietro II Orseolo. He won and became free, and in some versions of the story he also got power over the Dalmatian cities. Then he put the chessboard in his coat of arms.

Gallery

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Patrón ajedrezado croata para niños

kids search engine
Croatian checkerboard Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.