Despite the more common belief, tarot cards did not originate from Italy. They originally existed in 15th century Persia, known as the “Mamluk” cards. They were used for strategizing and would later evolve for many purposes throughout history, slowly becoming part of the occult. When Mamluk cards reached Italy, high-class families would commission artists to replace the cards’ imagery to include more western and religious iconography to call them “Tarot”.
A Beginner’s Guide To Tarot
A Beginner’s Guide To Tarot
A Beginner’s Guide To Tarot
Despite the more common belief, tarot cards did not originate from Italy. They originally existed in 15th century Persia, known as the “Mamluk” cards. They were used for strategizing and would later evolve for many purposes throughout history, slowly becoming part of the occult. When Mamluk cards reached Italy, high-class families would commission artists to replace the cards’ imagery to include more western and religious iconography to call them “Tarot”.