The modern four suits seem to have evolved in France, specifically Paris and Rouen, in the late-15th century and were quickly taken up by the English. The symbols they imported – swords, batons (or wands), cups, and coins (or rings) – are still used in Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. The pack of cards came to Europe sometime in the 14th century, imported by Italian merchants who discovered their use during trading missions to the cosmopolitan cities of Mameluke Egypt.
