Louis XIV
1638–1715 · king of France · France
Politics and power52 years old in 1690
Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King", was King of France from 14 May 1643 until his death in 1715. He is the longest-reigning monarch in history, reigning for 72 years and 110 days. His reign brought about a golden age in French history, marked by a great expansion of the French colonial empire and a flourishing of French culture throughout Europe. As an absolute monarch, Louis expanded monarchical rule and diminished the power of the nobility, developing a strong centralised state ruled from the Palace of Versailles that persisted until the French Revolution.
Read more on WikipediaThe world around them · Versailles, 1680s
- Who governs
- Louis XIV rules alone, and in 1682 moves the court and government to Versailles.
- Everyday life
- Most people are peasants paying taxes, tithes and dues. In 1685 the Protestant faith is banned.
- Arts and ideas
- Lully's operas and Le Nôtre's gardens set the taste of Europe.
- Meanwhile
- Edo-period Japan is at peace, and Bashō is writing his haiku.
Their life in their time
- 1638
- 168244 years oldThe court moves to Versaillesking
- 171577 years oldDies
