Louis XIV, France's Sun King, had the longest reign in European history (1643-1715). He was a monarch of the House of Bourbon (Bourbon Dynasty), and he reigned as King of France for 72 years and 110 days. In the age of absolutism in Europe, Louis XIV of France was a leader who understood that change (political and social) was inevitable.

But, during his time he brought absolute monarchy to its height, established a glittering court at Versailles, and fought most of the other European countries in four wars. The early part of his reign (1643-61), while Louis was young, was dominated by the chief minister Cardinal Mazarin. In the middle period (1661-85), Louis reigned personally and innovatively. The last years of his personal rule (1685-1715) were beset by problems, from the last half of 1685 until his death in 1715.

Scholars and historians wrote that although King Louis XIV had to face many serious problems, he still believed at the end of his reign that luxury was necessary not only to the economic health of the country, but to the prestige and very survival of the French monarchy. History saw that right up until the French Revolution of 1789, the lavish standard of living and the intricate program of etiquette the Sun King introduced to the world continued to define the French monarchy.

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