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The Nine Worthies
During the Middle Ages, the "nine worthies" were chosen as the best personifications of valiance, chivalry, and military prowess. They were the Three Pagans that represented pagan or Roman law: Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar; the Three Jews who represented the Old Law or the Old Testament: David, Joshua, and Judah Maccabbee;and the Three Christians who represented the New Law, or the New Testament: Charlemagne, King Arthur, and Godfrey of Boullion.
Hector was the prince of Troy and greatest warrior of the Trojan War who ultimately gave his life in defense of the city.
The Pagans
Alexander the Great was a King of Macedonia who created one of the largest empires in history with an undefeated battle record.
Julius Caesar was a highly successful general and the first emperor of Rome, who helped usher in a golden age of Roman peace and prosperity.
King David was the third King of Israel who defeated Goliath and whose line was chosen by God to lead His people.
The Jews
Joshua became the leader of the Jews after Moses, who led the Israelites to conquer the holy land.
Judah Maccabee was a priest who led a revolt against the Seleucid empire and restored Jewish worship at Solomon's temple.
The Christians
Charlemagne was the King of the Franks and founder of the Holy Roman Empire who was tasked with protecting both Christianity itself and the papacy in Rome.
King Arthur was a legendary idyllic Christian king whose stories of honor, valor, and the pursuit of the Holy Grail were extremely popular in the middle ages.
Godfrey of Boullion was a knight who led the First Crusade and recaptured Jerusalem from Islamic rule. He became the first King of Jerusalem.
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