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Croatian checkerboard facts for kids

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Escutcheon in the Seal of the Kingdom of Croatia 1527
Escutcheon in the Seal of the Kingdom of Croatia

The Croatian checkerboard or chequy (in Croatian: šahovnica) is a very important national symbol of Croatia. It is the main part of the Croatian coat of arms. This coat of arms also has a crown on top with five smaller shields. The squares in the šahovnica are always red and white. They are arranged in a special pattern. Many people believe it is one of the oldest national symbols in Europe.

The Story Behind It

There is an old story about how the Croatian checkerboard came to be. This legend is probably from the 1800s. It tells of a Croatian king named Držislav. He was captured by people from the city of Venice.

To win his freedom, King Držislav played a game of chess. His opponent was the leader of Venice, called Doge Pietro II Orseolo. King Držislav won the chess match! Because he won, he became free. Some versions of the story say he also gained control over cities in a region called Dalmatia. After this, he decided to put the chessboard pattern on his coat of arms.

Gallery of Croatian Symbols

  • Croatian chequey

    The Croatian chequy on a church in Baška

  • Croatian Coat of Arms 1495

    The first known Croatian chequy, seen in Innsbruck, Austria (1495).

  • .

    The coat of arms of Croatia, used in 1527 on the Cetingrad Charter.

  • Wappen Königreich Croatien & Slavonien

    Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia (1525-1868).

  • Wappen Königreich Croatien

    Coat of arms of the Croatian Crown land (until 1868).

  • Coa Croatia Country History (with crown) (1868-1918)

    Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia (1868–1918).

  • Coa Hungary Country History Mid (1867)

    Coat of arms of Transleithania (1868-1915).

  • Domoljubna značka 1914

    Patriotic badge from 1914.

  • Coat of Arms of the Banate of Croatia

    Banovina of Croatia (1939–1943).

  • Greater coat of arms of the Banate of Croatia

    Banovina of Croatia, larger version (1939–1943).

  • Coat of arms of the Independent State of Croatia

    Independent State of Croatia (1941–1945).

  • Coat of Arms of Socialist Republic of Croatia

    Socialist Republic of Croatia (1947–1990).

  • Coat of arms of Croatia (white chequy)

    Early coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia (1990).

  • Croatia COA heater

    Coat of arms of Croatia proper.

Images for kids

  • Fragment iz crkvice sv Ivana od Nimfeja, Pula, poč. 9. st

    Fragment from the church of St. John of Nimfa.

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Croatian checkerboard Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.