Who is the Sun King?
The Sun King, also known as Louis XIV, was a 17th century French monarch who is widely regarded as one of the finest rulers in French history. Under the reign of the Sun King, France became a major power in Europe, with the prestige of the nation increasing thanks to extensive advances in culture under Louis XIV. Louis XIV is also known as the Great Monarch, in a reference to the considerable changes he wrought in France during his 72 year reign. King Louis was born in 1638 to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. His father died when he was almost five years old, leading his mother to take control of the French throne as his regent, with the assistance of Cardinal Mazarin, a man who was disliked because of his Italian background. France was embroiled in social turmoil and a war in the early years of the King’s reign, with the war ultimately ending in a treaty which included the marriage of Louis XIV to Maria Theresa, Infanta of Spain. One year later, in 1661, the Sun King took personal cont
