Who was France's "Sun King"?

Louis XIV (5 September 1638) - (1 September 1715) known as France's Sun King (le Roi Soleil), as well as Louis the Great, was a ruler of the House of Bourbon from 1643 until his death in 1715, the longest rule of any sovereign monarch in European history, a total of 72 years and 110 days. His chosen emblem and symbol of power was the sun.

During Louis' reign France was the leading European power. No country could match it for its central location, population, and professional army. His foreign policy was defined by warfare, three major wars and two of lesser importance while he reigned. During times of peacetime he concentrated on preparations for the next war. His diplomats were taught that their jobs were to create tactical and strategic opportunities for the French military. He used (winning) warfare to enhance his own glory.

Louis XIV was an absolute ruler, one of the very strongest of French rulers; his style of absolute rule by the monarch endured all the way up to the French Revolution.