Many military leaders have gone on to rule a country. This person waged a personal battle against a superior enemy, then went on to rule his country, around three thousand years ago. Who was he?

This figure from ancient history is renowned for one of the most famous underdog victories of all time. Before he was a king, he was a young shepherd who confronted a giant, heavily armed Philistine warrior named Goliath. While the seasoned soldiers of Israel were paralyzed with fear, he volunteered to face the champion in single combat. Armed with only a sling and stones, he defeated the giant with a single shot to the forehead, securing a pivotal victory for his people and becoming a national hero. This act of courage and faith set the stage for his eventual rise to power.

Following his triumph, his popularity grew, as did the jealousy of the reigning king, Saul. After a period as a fugitive and a leader of outlaws, he was eventually anointed king of Judah and later all of Israel around 1000 BCE. As king, he was a brilliant military strategist, leading his armies in numerous successful campaigns that expanded his kingdom's territory and influence. He conquered Jerusalem, establishing it as the capital of the united kingdom and a spiritual center. His forty-year reign was a period of great military and political success, transforming a collection of tribes into a strong, unified nation.