Louis XIV

(PD) Image: Hyacinthe Rigaud
King Louis XIV of France.

Louis XIV (1638-1715) was the king of France (1643-1715). Louis was the third monarch of the Bourbon family and ruled France for 72 years, the longest reign in European history. During his reign, Louis typified absolute monarchy of the Neoclassical age, established a court at Versailles, and fought most of Europe in four wars.

Biography

Early Life

Louis XIV was born to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria at Saint-Germain-en-Laye on September 5, 1638. He succeeded his father on the throne at the age of four.