Among the 52 units of the French deck of cards with which you can play poker or blackjack, four kings made history. Do you know who they are?
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The Kings of the French Card Deck
Did you know that the four kings of the French deck of cards represent historical figures? Although it is challenging to discover the exact origin of the cards, many details are known about them. Which is used to play poker, baccarat, blackjack, or roulette, among many other games. Pierre Marechal designed the actual characters at the end of the 15th century in Rouen, capital of the Normandy region. This deck is preserved in the city's museum and was a pioneer in the evolution of playing cards in Europe, being a source of inspiration for the birth of the English deck. The similarities between the two are numerous, but unlike our French neighbors, the latter is not based on any character. Below, we reveal the identity of each of the four kings of this deck.
Spades: King David
According to the Hebrew Bible, David was an Israelite king and the second legitimate monarch of the kingdom of Israel. Born in the year 1040 B.C. in Bethlehem, he is considered just, brave and passionate, although not exempt from sins. He unified Israel's territory and expanded it, controlling Jerusalem, Damascus, Samaria, Zabah, and Petra. He is honored as king and prophet in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
His choice as king of the suit of spades or swords has much to do with his sense of justice. Swords are elements that symbolize the strength of the law and the firmness of decisions.
Clubs: Alexander the Great
The figure of the king in this suit is represented by Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia and one of the most important in history. His birth took place in 356 B.C., and his parents were Olympias of Epirus and Philip II of Macedonia. As a child, he received military training to reign, while intellectual training was given to Aristotle. Before becoming king, he was exiled with his mother by his father, who considered him an adulterous son. After Philip's assassination, he ascended the throne. The conquest of the Persian Empire was one of his significant milestones. Before dying of poisoning, he was fortunate to emerge unscathed from numerous battles. This is why he was designated as the king of clubs in the French deck of cards.
Hearts: Charlemagne
Born in 742, Charlemagne was king of the Franks, nominal king of the Lombards, and the first Holy Roman Emperor from 800 until he died in 814. His ideal was the union of the countries of Western Europe and the reconstruction of the Roman Empire. He promoted order, law, and culture, being a great ruler of his empire in which he founded schools and libraries. In addition, he acted as a mediator to solve problems arising from religion and other issues. He is recognized as one of the monarchs with the noblest heart. For this reason, he was assigned the figure of the king of hearts.
Diamonds: Julius Caesar
This politician and military man, born in Rome in 100 B.C., reached the summit of power after winning the civil war against the most conservative sector of the Roman Senate. With only 20 years old and eager for power, he joined Crassus and Pompey to create a triumvirate. Still, after observing a difference of interests, rivalries began. When Pompey was assassinated in Egypt, Julius Caesar ascended to the government as dictator. From his privileged position, he put an end to the revolutions in Asia Minor, modified the tax system, and helped Cleopatra become queen, among other things. The king of diamonds was the figure given to Julius Caesar due to his greed and avarice, two very characteristic traits in his studied personality.