King Louis XIV of France, known as the Sun King, passed away on 1 September 1715, marking the end of a monumental 72-year reign—the longest of any major European monarch.
His tenure, defined by absolute monarchy, opulent court life at Versailles, and military conquests, left an indelible mark on France and Europe.
The King's death not only concluded an era of unparalleled royal authority but also set the stage for significant shifts in the balance of power across the continent.