Presented on a beautiful 16 inch Spanish board Exquisitely ornate. Beautifully crafted in Italy. 3 inch king. Felted bases. THE PIECES We do not believe these pieces are based on any particular historical figures but that does not detract from their stunning detail. Simply adorned in traditional robes, the Greek Royals radiate a quiet majesty and regal air. By comparison the bishop is handsomely adorned and seems to have more military edge than a religious one. The Greek soldier upon a white steed makes for a stunning knight and again a fortress plays the rook. The smartly dressed pawns have swords drawn and shields raised ready to fight for their king. Dressed in rustic colours, The Roman Army boasts a king that whilst uncharacteristically in simple dress, exudes a quiet wisdom and leadership qualities. His queen too is a demure yet a determined and supportive partner. As with the Greek bishop, the Roman bishop too is uncharacteristically portrayed in this set. Normally a figure of learning and wisdom, the Roman bishop has a centurion air about him and he looks ready to do battle with the best of them. A dramatic combination of soldier and steed gives us a splendid knight, blended into a single fighting force, whilst the pawns are typically attired Roman soldiers poised to defend their king and country. A towering fortress depicts the rooks that make up this intimidating army. The Romans vs Greeks Chess Men are also available without the board. Either way, this set is a perfect gift for any Roman/Greek history or chess enthusiast. THE HISTORYThe Macedonian Wars were a series of conflicts between the Roman Republic and several different major Greek kingdoms running from 214-148 BC. Traditionally, these Wars include four battles with Macedonia, one with the Seleucid Empire and a minor conflict with the Achaean League. The latter of these is considered to be the final stage of the final Macedonian War. The most significant of these wars was that fought with the Seleucid Empire, a state ruled by the Seleucid dynasty. Founded by Seleucus | Nicator following the dissolution of the Macedonian Empire and vastly expanded by Alexander the Great, this dynasty existed from 312 BC to 63 BC. The war with Macedonia was the second significant but both these wars effectively marked the end of these empires as dominant world powers. Due to its geographic proximity to Rome, four separate wars were fought against the weaker Macedonia. Gradually, Macedonian independence disintegrated under Roman influence and dissolved into what was becoming a leading global empire. The now-diminishing Seleucid Empire suffered the same outcome, though the growing influence of Parthia and Pontus prevented any additional conflicts between it and Rome. It wasn\'t until the time of the Roman Empire that the eastern Mediterranean, along with the entire Roman world, was organized into provinces under explicit Roman control.