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Louis Xiv

What is louis xiv?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

name Louis XIV[1]
title king of France[1]
reign 1643–1715[1]
birth date September 5, 1638[1]
death date September 1, 1715[1]

Louis XIV was the king of France from 1643 to 1715, and he is widely identified with absolute monarchy and the title “Sun King.” Born in 1638, he became king at age four years eight months and ruled principally from Versailles. His reign lasted 72 years, making him one of the longest-serving monarchs in European history.

Context

Louis XIV was born on September 5, 1638, in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, and died on September 1, 1715 [1]. He ruled principally from Versailles and remained the symbol of absolute monarchy throughout his reign [1]. His successor, Louis XVI, would face a very different political landscape nearly a century later.

Documented claims

  • Louis XIV ruled France from 1643 to 1715. [1]
  • He was known as the Sun King and symbolized absolute monarchy. [2]
  • He became king at age four years eight months. [1]

Related

  • Louis PasteurLouis Pasteur är en annan känd fransk historisk person med namnet Louis.
  • Louis RielLouis Riel är en annan historisk person med namnet Louis, känd för sin politiska roll.

Questions and answers

Why is Louis XIV so famous?

Louis XIV is famous for his 72-year reign, his identification with absolute monarchy, and his title as the Sun King [2].

When did Louis XIV become king?

He became king at age four years eight months, following the death of his father in 1643 [1].

Where did Louis XIV rule from?

He ruled principally from the Palace of Versailles [1].

Sources

  1. Louis XIV: 10 Remarkable Facts About France's 'Sun King' — historyextra.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Louis XIV (1638-1715) — bbc.co.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People