Chess has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. It is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century as a game called Chaturanga. From India, it spread to Persia, where it became known as Shah Mat, meaning "the king is dead." The game continued to evolve as it traveled through the Islamic world and into Europe by the 15th century. In Europe, chess underwent significant changes, leading to the modern rules we know today. The Queen and Bishop gained more powerful movements, making the game faster and more dynamic. By the 19th century, organized competitions began, and the first official world champion, Wilhelm Steinitz, was crowned in 1886, solidifying chess as a competitive sport.