today’s birthday: Louis XIV of France (1638)

Louis XIV of France (1638)

The “Sun King,” Louis XIV, ruled France for 72 years, longer than any other major European monarch. A strong believer in dictatorship by divine right, he viewed himself as God‘s representative on Earth and became the archetype of the absolute monarch, reigning over a highly centralized state. He waged several wars, built one of Europe’s most elaborate palaces at Versailles, and was a great patron of the arts. What is the meaning of “L’état, c’est moi,” a remark long attributed to Louis? More… Discuss

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• This Day in the Yesteryear: Louis XIV of France Moves His Court to Versailles (1682)

This Day in the Yesteryear: Louis XIV of France Moves His Court to Versailles (1682)

This Day in the Yesteryear

Louis XIV of France Moves His Court to Versailles (1682) During his reign, King Louis XIV moved his court and government offices to Versailles. The palace is one of the largest and most lavish ever built. At a time when mirrors were some of the priciest luxury items to acquire, Louis installed an entire hall of them. The grounds feature fountains, reservoirs, sculptures, temples, grottoes, and even two smaller palaces. Louis’s motive for the move is thought to have been a desire to more closely monitor the nobility. Why did he feel this was necessary? More… Discuss

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THE CHÂTEAU

Though the French word château is translated into English as “castle,” there are certain nuances that differentiate it from its English counterpart. For example, stately residences both fortified and unfortified may be châteaus, but only if they are in the countryside. Thus, the Louvre was once a château but lost the designation once urban sprawl made it a part of Paris, whereas opulent—yet rural—Versailles Palace is considered a château. What term is used for equivalent urban structures? More… Discuss