These twelve peerages are known as the "ancient peerage" or "pairie ancienne", and the number twelve is sometimes said to have been chosen to mirror the 12 paladins of Charlemagne in the "Chanson de geste" (see below). Parallels may also be seen with mythical Knights of the Round Table under King Arthur. So popular was this notion, that for a long time people thought peerage had originated in the reign of Charlemagne, who was considered the model king and shining example for knighthood and nobility.