Louis XIV

Date of Birth: September 5, 1638

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 1, 1715

Biography

Louis XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, was born on September 5, 1638, in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France. He was the son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Louis ascended to the throne at the tender age of four following the death of his father in 1643, although his mother acted as regent until 1651. His reign, which lasted 72 years and 110 days, is the longest recorded of any monarch of a sovereign country in European history. Louis XIV is best remembered for his absolute monarchy and the centralization of state power. Under his rule, France became the leading European power and a center of arts and culture. He is also famous for constructing the Palace of Versailles, which became the seat of political power and a symbol of royal absolutism. Louis married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660, and their marriage solidified peace between France and Spain. Despite this, Louis had numerous mistresses and illegitimate children. His reign was marked by significant military conflicts, including the Franco-Dutch War, the War of the Grand Alliance, and the War of the Spanish Succession. Louis XIV died on September 1, 1715, just four days before his 77th birthday, and was succeeded by his great-grandson Louis XV.

5 Interesting Facts about Louis XIV

1. Louis XIV’s reign of 72 years and 110 days is the longest of any monarch of a major country in European history.

2. He was known as the Sun King (Le Roi Soleil) and often associated himself with Apollo, the god of the sun.

3. The Palace of Versailles, which he transformed from a hunting lodge into a grandiose palace, became a symbol of the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime.

4. Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes in 1685, leading to the persecution and exodus of many Huguenots (French Protestants).

5. He was a patron of the arts, fostering the careers of notable artists, musicians, and playwrights like Molière and Jean-Baptiste Lully.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Louis XIV

1. “L’État, c’est moi.” (“I am the state.”)

2. “Has God forgotten all I have done for Him?”

3. “There is little that can withstand a man who can conquer himself.”

4. “First feelings are always the most natural.”

5. “I depart, but the State shall always remain.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Louis XIV’s net worth has been estimated to be around $300 billion in today’s dollars, making him one of the wealthiest historical figures.

Children

Louis XIV had six children with his wife, Maria Theresa of Spain, though only one, Louis, Grand Dauphin, survived to adulthood. He also had numerous illegitimate children with his mistresses. Some of his notable illegitimate children include: – Louis-Auguste de Bourbon, Duke of Maine – Louis-César de Bourbon, Count of Vexin – Louise Françoise de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Nantes – Françoise-Marie de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Blois