Tarot: Origin & History

There have been many statements made about the origin and history of tarot. Some are speculative, whilst some have evidence.

Early evidence suggests Tarot originated in the early 15th century (1420-1440) in the region of Northern Italy. These early specimens or 'cards of triumphs' were called 'carte da trionfi'. They were lavishly hand painted decks from the courts of nobility. It was only around 100 years later circa 1530, that these cards became known as tarot cards to help distinguish them for a new game 'trumps', which were played with ordinary playing cards. The Italian name of tarot cards were tarocchi (singular tarocco). The German version is called tarock, the French version called is tarot.