I would say that rook come from roque (in french) itself comming from the Arabic rukh meaning chariot.
The representations from this XI th century (Ex1Ex2) in France look like a stylized carriage but I think the meaning had alrady been lost, as it sounded like the word roc (meaning rock), it has evolved towards tour (tower in french). Jean-Louis would problaby be able to confirm or deny.
Concerning the link between the mantlet and dabbaba, it's not very important but interesting. I've found it several times in historic contexts (Byzantium / Abassid / Mongol), so I thought I'd mention it, for food for thought.
I would say that rook come from roque (in french) itself comming from the Arabic rukh meaning chariot.
The representations from this XI th century (Ex1 Ex2) in France look like a stylized carriage but I think the meaning had alrady been lost, as it sounded like the word roc (meaning rock), it has evolved towards tour (tower in french). Jean-Louis would problaby be able to confirm or deny.
Concerning the link between the mantlet and dabbaba, it's not very important but interesting. I've found it several times in historic contexts (Byzantium / Abassid / Mongol), so I thought I'd mention it, for food for thought.