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Top 10 Facts About Louis XIV’s death

Shakespearean tragedy would be appropriate for the story of Louis XIV‘s death. On August 10, 1715, while Louis was returning from a hunting trip in Marly, he experienced serious leg discomfort, which signalled the beginning of his decline in health. His physician, Fagon, identified sciatica.

But, the agony was usually in the same location, and soon after, black marks suggested senile gangrene. The king continued with his regular activities despite the agonising discomfort, fully willing to carry out his job until the very end.  To everyone’s profound admiration, the seasoned king appeared stoic. However he was forced to remain in bed on August 25, Saint Louis Day, and he never left his bed chamber again. Read on and find out about his last days and facts about his death. 

1. Louis XIV faced various health issues

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Louis XIV had a lengthy reign and was known as the “Sun King” but like everyone does in life he grew older and eventually had to use a wheelchair because of his severe leg problems that made walking difficult.

You’ve got to know that he was truly royal because he still went on with his royal duties and maintain his authority despite his health complications. Regrettably, his health problems eventually took a toll on him, resulting in his passing in 1715.5.

2. The cause of Louis XIV’s death was gangrene

Louis XIV’s death was caused by gangrene which developed on his leg due to untreated phlebitis, an inflammation of a vein. Despite the discomfort and risks, Louis XIV was initially hesitant to undergo surgery and refused to have it done. Unfortunately, the gangrene worsened and led to a high fever, ultimately resulting in his death in 1715.

3. The tomb bears an inscription that reads…

“HERE REMAINS LOUIS XIV, KING OF FRANCE AND NAVARRE, WHO REIGNED SEVENTY-TWO YEARS AND DIED IN THE YEAR 1715.”

Tomb inscriptions are meant to tell a story and it serves as a reminder about what the dead once did. For Louis, his inscription and tomb is an important historical sites that will ensure that the memory of the “Sun King” lives on. 

4. Louis XIV passed away at the Palace of Versailles

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Louis XIV, also known as the “Sun King,” died on September 1, 1715, in the Palace of Versailles. During his time as king, he managed to use the palace as the hub of French power and it was quite impressive that he was able to do so for 72 years.

For someone who managed to rule for as long as he did it is rather obvious that he was one of the most influential monarchs in history and his legacy is strongly bound to the Palace of Versailles. 

5. He was 76 years old at the time of his death

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King Louis XIV passed away on the first day of September in the year 1715 at the ripe old age of 76. He is one of the longest-reigning monarchs in history thanks to his astounding 72-year reign.

His rule was nothing short of spectacular and noteworthy despite dealing with many health issues and hardships in his later years. He not only left a lasting impression on France but also had a significant impact on the rest of the world.

6. Louis XIV’s death marked the end of the Bourbon dynasty

When Louis XIV passed away it marked the end of the French Bourbon dynasty’s direct male line simply because he had no legitimate living sons to take over so his great-grandson Louis XV took over and became the new ruler.

However, even though the direct male line of ancestors had ended it didn’t mean that the Bourbon dynasty still significantly influenced French politics and royal affairs for many years. 

7. His burial took place 5 days after his death

On September 9, 1715, five days after his passing on September 1, Louis XIV was buried. Many French kings and queens were buried at The Cathedral of Saint-Denis which is where his burial ceremony was held 5 days after his death.

8. His heart was removed from his body and placed in an urn

What is interesting to note is the fact that when Louis XIV passed away his heart was taken out and put into a heart-shaped urn. It may sound strange but back in the day the nobles were treated differently and this meant that their traditional funeral rites were also different from others. Louis XIV’s heart urn was given a specific spot in the palace, turning it into a unique and important piece of history.

9. Louis XIV experienced a lot of losses in his final years

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King Louis XIV had a lot of grief in the years prior to his passing. He was devastated to learn that his beloved wife, Queen Maria Theresa of Spain, had passed away in 1683. They had been married for quite some time so her death was a big blow to him, as if that was not enough, he also lost his only legitimate son and successor 

They enjoyed a lengthy and loyal marriage, therefore the monarch was greatly saddened by her departure. The Dauphin of France, Louis XIV’s sole legitimate son and successor, died in 1711, dealing the king yet another fatal blow.

10. He received a traditional royal funerary customs 

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At the time, there used to be special customary ways of burying royals and this is what happened to Louis. The French court observed the traditional time of mourning and his body was prepared and embalmed according to the royal customs that existed at the time. His burial procession was grand yet sombre especially because of his esteemed position as king. 

After the king’s passing, family disputes began to arise. The king established a Regency Council to balance the influence of Philippe II of Orleans, Louis XIV’s nephew and the Regent until the future Louis XV reached adulthood.