USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -From his base in Versailles, Louis XIV ruled over a centralised, absolutist state which revolved entirely around him. The King lived in the main wing of the palace, on the first floor, in a suite of three apartments reserved for his use.

Detailed explanation-2: -Versailles was without doubt the last great work by this famous architect of the mid-17th century. After the Great Royal Entertainment in 1668, Louis XIV entrusted Le Vau, First Architect to the King since 1654, with the extension of the brick and stone palace built by his father Louis XIII.

Detailed explanation-3: -1601-1643. Louis XIII regularly came to hunt the abundant game at Versailles, and consequently commissioned the construction of a hunting pavilion here. Later, Louis XIV built a majestic palace from his father’s small château that became the symbol of his reign.

Detailed explanation-4: -By building Versailles, Louis shifted the seat of French government away from the feuding, gossiping, trouble-making noble families in Paris. He had the whole palace and its massive gardens built along an East/West axis so the sun would rise and set in alignment with his home.

Detailed explanation-5: -King Louis XIV, who loved the outdoors and open spaces, saw much to benefit from in carrying out construction work here and made his palace an expression of power and authority, knowing that glory was conveyed not only by war but also by buildings.