Court Cards

Kings, Queens and Jacks
Court Cards were designed by French card-makers in the 16th century and represent historical figures.

Kings
King of Spades: King David of Israel from 10th and 11th century BCE. This is the same David who slayed the giant Goliath with the skillful throw of a single stone.

King of Clubs: Alexander the Great, King of Macedonia, who lived from 356 BC to 323 BC. By the age of 30, he created one of largest empire of the ancient world.

King of Hearts: King Charlemagne of France who lived from 747 to 814 AD. He was known as the “Father of Europe”, as his empire united Western Europe.

King of Diamonds: Roman Caesar Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. Augustus restored peace to the Roman state and changed every aspect of Roman life.

Queens
Queen of Spades: Athena: In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, courage, and strength. The City of Athens was built in her honor.

Queen of Clubs: Argine represents the mythological mother of Argus, who built the ship in the Ancient Greek story of Jason and the Argonauts.

Queen of Hearts: Judith is the fictional heroine of The Book of Judith, who freed the Israeli people from Assyrian oppression.

Queen of Diamonds: Rachel was the mother of both Benjamin and Joseph, who led Israel’s tribes in exile from Egypt.

Jacks
Jack of Spades: Ogier the Dane was the son of the King of Denmark in the 8th century CE. He fought with Charlemagne and slayed the giant Brehus.

Jack of Hearts: La Hire was a French military commander a close consort of Joan of Arc fighting along her at the battle of Orleans.

Jack of Diamonds: Hector in Greek mythology was a Trojan prince and leader of the Trojans in defense of Troy.

Jack of Clubs: Sir Lancelot of the “Knights of the Roundtable” known for his love affair with Guinevere and the search for the Holy Grail.