Which historical leader is traditionally represented by the King of Hearts in playing cards?
King David
Charlemagne
King Henry VIII
Alexander the Great
Fact: In traditional playing card symbolism, the King of Hearts represents Charlemagne, the powerful medieval ruler who united much of Western Europe and became the first Holy Roman Emperor. The four kings in a standard deck have long been linked to great monarchs of history, and Charlemagne’s legacy of leadership, conquest, and empire-building made him the fitting choice for the King of Hearts. His depiction appears to show him plunging a sword into his own head, a result of centuries of design changes that earned him the nickname the “suicide king.”
Correct Answer: Charlemagne