Louis XIV, the King of France from 1643 to 1715, is famously known as the Sun King. He was dubbed this due to his belief that, much like the sun, his reign would bring glory and light to France. Louis XIV's era was characterized by absolute monarchy, where he centralized state power and embodied the notion of a sovereign ruler. He transformed the Palace of Versailles into a symbol of royal prestige and political power. His support of the arts and culture during this period also solidified his legacy, making France a leading European power in the 17th century.