10 Interesting Louis XIV Facts

Saturday, June 21st 2014. | People


Louis XIV facts give the information about the one of the strongest and most powerful kings of France. He was the symbol of the France’s supreme power. King Louis was very famous with his large Palace of Versailles and his big hair. If you want to know his early life, power and contribution in France, look at the following post below:

Louis XIV Facts 1: date of birth

Louis XIV was born on September 5, 1638. He passed away four days before his 77th birth on September 1, 1715.

Louis XIV Facts 2: the longest period

Louis XIV holds the record of the longest ruler of the European monarchy. He was the king of France until his death on 1 September 1715. He ruled the country for 72 years, 3 months and 18 days.

Louis XIV Facts

Louis XIV Facts

Louis XIV Facts 3: other longest rulers of monarchy in the world

Louis XIV holds the first position of the longest monarchy ruler. The second place is taken by the emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph I.  The second is the King of Hungary who was on the thrown for 68 years. The third one is Queen Victorian from England who got the crown for 63 years.

Louis XIV Facts 4: becoming a king

Do you know that Louis XIV became a king when he was only four years old? The death of his father Louis XIII made him automatically as a king in 1643. Since he was very small, the duties as a king were held by his mother, Anne of Austria. The chief minister of France, Cardinal Jules Mazarin also helped her running the duties.

Louis XIV Hair

Louis XIV Hair

Louis XIV Facts 5: death of Cardinal Mazarin

The death of Cardinal Mazarin made Louis XIV independent because he had to take the charge of the duties by himself.  At that time, he was 22 years old.

Louis XIV Facts 6: Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the American states. The name of the state actually was derived from King Louis XIV. The area was under the control of France in 1682 to 1763. In 1800 to 1803, it was called La Louisiane or Land of Louis.

Louis XIV Pic

Louis XIV Pic

Louis XIV Facts 7: the first wife

Let’s talk about the first wife of King Louis XIV. He married to Maria Theresa of Spain on June 9, 1860. But she passed away on July 30, 1863.

Louis XIV Facts 8: the second marriage

After the death of his first wife, the king decided to marry again in 1685 or 1686.  He married to Françoise d’Aubigné, marquise de Maintenon. But the marriage was kept in secret because his second wife was not in the same social status.

Louis XIV Wig

Louis XIV Wig

Louis XIV Facts 9: stomach

It seems that the king likes to eat a lot during his life. After his death, people found out that the size of his stomach was twice of the normal size of human being.

Louis XIV Facts 10: wigs

If you look at the pictures of King Louis XIV, you find out his unique big hair. Actually the king had 100 wigs. Get more facts about the king of France in King Louis XVI facts.

Louis XIV

Louis XIV

At that time, people recognized him as the sun king for he wanted the people to revolve around him. Are you interested reading facts about King Louis XIV?


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