Probably the most famous French monarch, Louis XIV left a deep mark on France and Europe. Over his 72-year  reign, from 1643 to 1715, he accomplished many things. He conquered new territory, expanded France's colonies, modernized the country, built monuments, created major institutions and became an absolute monarch. Even North America was touched by him. Louisiana was named after him, and many American cities come from French forts and counters established then.

Learn about him and the changes he brought to France and the world during his reign in this episode!

Time codes:

Introduction
05:23 - The Fronde revolt, Louis’s childhood
09:26 - Louis’s Personal Reign
19:28 - Versailles
23:36 - Wars and Conquests
28:56 - New France and Louisiana
31:05 - The Sun King’s Dusk
33:39 - Conclusion

Music: Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully, arranged and performed by Jérôme Arfouche.

Artwork: Portrait of Louis XIV in coronation costume, Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701.

Support the show

Reach out, support the show and give me feedback!

• Contact me or follow the podcast on social media
• Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or on Spotify
• Buy me a Coffee