The answer is: Nine

Gen 14:8-9

In Genesis 14, we dive into a fascinating scene involving the Valley of Siddim, where two powerful alliances of kings gear up to throw down in an epic showdown. Nine kings march to battle, displayed in a classic struggle for supremacy. This little-known expanse sat near the Dead Sea, potentially where cities like Sodom and Gomorrah once thrived at the fabled crossroads of trade, temptation, and calamity. It's a world so rich yet filled with conflict—a glimpse into a bygone era of shifts and power struggles.

This narrative also bears intriguing reflections on the nature of alliances and conflicts. For those unfamiliarly tied to the more extensive historical tapestry, it highlights a focus on not just who was there, but what unity amongst those local leaders meant. We can liken this multi-kings assembly to significant other ancient battles recorded in various cultures, across eras—each marriage of forces creating ripples that stretch into time.

One fun fact: the 'galactic' clash echoingly informs many tales of warriors and kings down the centuries. Shake this thumb for jigsawed tales like Arthur's Knights battling the Saxons, each corner of the globe seeing varying shifts in authority where alliances threatened—or championed—many. So, while the valley renowned today may be more embattled desert than delinquent paradise, it's rich in lessons about collective ventures woven through scriptural lineage and the collective heart of humanity. Remember, images like this stoked the imagination of societies past can still spin the narratives that shape who we view ourselves as in context with maps forged in cultural epicenters.