Profile of the Day: Louis XIV
On this day in 1638, Louis XIV was born in the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. As soon as he ascended to the throne, Louis XIV took steps to consolidate his power and establish his absolute authority. He would become one of the longest reigning monarchs in European history.
During his reign, Louis built the Palace of Versailles, an opulent palace that posed as a symbol of Louis’s centralized power. Although he had garnered much hostility towards the end of his life, Louis XIV succeeded in making France a leading European power.
Louis XIV died on September 1, 1715, just four days before his 77th birthday.
How are you related to the Sun King? Explore Louis XIV’s family tree on Geni and share your connection to the French monarch.
View Louis XIV’s Geni Profile
Image: Wikimedia Commons