6/30.- Chateau of Versailles, State Apartments, king Louis XIV

Louis XIV, born in 1638, became king of France when he was only five years old. In 1660 he married the Infanta of Spain, Maria Theresa. A year later, when he was 23, he announced that he would govern the state affairs. The first 20 years of his kingdom were years of prosperity. French Arts and local economy flourished.

He chose the sun as his emblem. He also identified himself with Apollo. Throughout his apartments there are references to the sun and to this Greek god. The king was also famous for its love affairs. Several of the court beauties surrendered to his powers. The extraordinary parties that took place in the castles have never been beaten.

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