As this painting shows, Louis XIV liked to live in style.
We know that absolute monarchs of 17th century Europe were somewhat power-hungry. They dominated politics, economics, religion, and culture in their countries. But did you know that absolute rulers such as Louis XIV of France also built huge palaces designed to intimidate ordinary citizens? Let’s take a look.
The best example of an over-the-top palace built by an absolute ruler is the Palace of Versailles, built by Louis XIV. Versailles is about a day’s trip outside of Paris (by horse and buggy) so when Louis moved his court there, it was the ultimate power play. Now, nobles had to make a long journey to visit the king.
Louis XIII’s “chateau” at Versailles wasn’t quite grand enough for his son. When Louis XIV became king, he decided to do some renovating. Above is the “before” shot of Versailles …
… And here’s the “after” shot. Maybe Louis XIV watched a little too much “Extreme Home Makeover.”
Versailles is magnificent on the outside and the inside. Using Google Maps, you can take a virtual tour of the outside of Versailles here. Versailles is famous for its acres of gardens and multiple fountains. 210,000 flowers are planted at Versailles every year. 50 fountains use up to 3,600 cubic meters of water an hour!
Of course, Louis XIV wanted a magnificent interior, too. The palace is a huge art museum. Its 700 rooms boast 6,000 paintings, 1,500 drawings, 15,000 engravings, and 2,100 sculptures. You can take an in-depth tour of the interior of Versailles and learn about the artwork here.
Your assignment is to complete the following webquest using the Palace of Versailles official website.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous: Versailles Webquest
You’ll be writing or typing the answers to all of these questions in complete sentences.
On the left hand side of your page, under the word “Explore” click on “The Palace.”
1. Which French king originally built the palace?
2. Which French king expanded the palace? What year was it expanded?
In the upper right corner, click on “Discover the Palace.” Click on the picture in the upper left of the Hall of Mirrors.
3. Why might someone build something so grand?
Close the picture of the Hall of Mirrors.
4. According to the website, what was the hall used for?
Under “Explore the Estate: The Palace” click on “The Queen’s Grand Apartment.” To the Left, click on the picture of “The Queen’s Chamber.”
5. Why do you think there was a railing and chairs surrounding the bed? Who might be using the chairs?
Under “Explore the Estate: The Palace” click on “The Royal Chapel”
6. In French monarchy, what was the relationship between God and the monarch?
At the top of the page, click on “History.” Then, in the upper right, click on “A Day in the Life of Louis XIV.”
7. What types of people do you think would have wanted to attend the King’s awakening?
8. Describe the First Levee.
9. What was the king’s favorite sport?
At the top of the page, under “Versailles Through The Centuries” click on “Royal Tables.”
10. How long did dinner take? How many “meal services” were prepared for the King?
