King · 1638 – 1715
Louis XIV
Little-Known Facts
- He turned Versailles into a gilded cage where nobles competed for his favor, weakening their independence.
- His reign is often called 'le Grand Siècle', the Great Century of French culture.
Myths & Misconceptions
Did Louis XIV really say 'I am the state'?
The famous quote 'L'état, c'est moi' may be apocryphal, but it perfectly captures his belief in absolute, personal royal power.