Louis XIV (Monarch)

Louis XIV, known as the "Sun King," was King of France from 1643 to 1715. He epitomized absolute monarchy, believing he held divine right to rule. Under his reign, he centralized power, strengthened the state, and expanded French territory. His extravagant lifestyle and the construction of the Palace of Versailles symbolized his absolute authority and France’s cultural dominance. Despite his achievements, his wars and lavish spending left France in debt, contributing to future unrest. Louis XIV's legacy is a blend of cultural brilliance and the pitfalls of unchecked power, influencing how monarchies operated for generations to come.