Charlemagne (Charles the Great) is traditionally associated with the King of Hearts in many playing-card histories. Context and key points:
- The King of Hearts is commonly linked to Charlemagne as the historic figure represented by that card in various decks and reputable write-ups on the subject. This association stems from the tradition of pairing each king with a prominent historical ruler, and Charlemagne’s prominence in medieval European history makes him the usual candidate for the King of Hearts. Other kings in decks have been linked to figures such as King David, Julius Caesar, and Alexander the Great in different sources, but Charlemagne is the most widely cited for the heart suit.
- Over time, with the evolution of French-style playing cards, these identifications became less standardized in some regions, and modern decks often present the kings without explicit historical labels. Nevertheless, Charlemagne remains the most commonly referenced figure for the King of Hearts in traditional scholarship and popular lore.
If you’d like, I can summarize competing views and how different sources describe the Kings of Hearts across historical periods and cultures.
