Profile of the Day: Louis XIV of France

After 72 years on the throne, King Louis XIV of France died on this day in 1715, just four days before his 77th birthday.

Image: Louis XIV / Wikimedia Commons

Louis XIV was born on September 5, 1638 to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Before his birth, his mother had experienced four stillbirths, and so he was named Louis Dieudonné, which was French for “Gift of God.” When he was four, Louis’s father passed away, leaving the toddler to succeed to the French throne.

During his reign, Louis consolidated his power and established his absolute authority over the country. He built the Palace of Versailles, an opulent palace that posed as a symbol of the King’s centralized power.

At the time of his death, Louis had reigned for 72 years and 110 days, the longest of any monarch in European history. His 5 year old great-grandson, Louis XV, succeeded him to the throne.

Explore Louis XIV’s family tree on Geni and share your connection to the Sun King!