Story Highlights
- Historical event:
- 5 September 1638
- Louis XIV was born in the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (“Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye”) near Paris.
The French King Louis XIV, the “Sun King”, was born on this day in 1638.
He was the most powerful king in Europe at the time, and set up one of his grandsons to the throne of Spain (his descendants rule Spain even today).
Louis XIV ruled for 72 years, which was something of a record. In fact, he began his reign when he was four years old, and died at age of 76.
Louis XIV was born in the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (“Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye”) near Paris.
His tutor was Nicolas de Villeroy, one of the most popular French aristocrats. It is interesting to note that Villeroy’s son became a friend of the young king, who helped him gain his reputation (he became the Marshal of France and a commander of the army).
During Louis’s childhood, Cardinal Mazarin had a major role in France (he also had an important role in the time of Louis XIII – the father of Louis XIV). The latter took power after Mazarin’s death.
