Louis XIV, the Sun King, embodies the height of absolute monarchy in France. Son of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, he reigned for seventy-two years (1643–1715) and made Versailles the centre of power and European culture. He belonged to the Bourbon dynasty.
Minority and the Fronde
King at five, he grew up under Anne of Austria and Mazarin. The Fronde (1648–1653) left a lasting distrust of the great nobles. On Mazarin’s death (1661), he chose to rule in person.
Absolutism and Versailles
He concentrated decisions, relied on ministers (Colbert, Louvois), controlled the nobility through court life and developed the administration. From the 1680s Versailles became the main residence—architecture, gardens, etiquette and patronage.
Wars and religion
Major European wars enlarged the territory but exhausted finances. In 1685 he revoked the Edict of Nantes. He died on 1 September 1715; Louis XV succeeded him.