Definition
Louis XIV, also known as the "Sun King," was King of France from 1643 to 1715. He was the epitome of absolute monarchy, believing he ruled by divine right. Think of him as the OG influencer, setting trends in fashion, art, and culture. His reign is the longest of any sovereign European monarch. He transformed France into a dominant European power and built the Palace of Versailles as a symbol of his power and grandeur.