Overview
This lecture details the death of King Louis XIV, depicting the decline of his health, the religious and political aspects of his last days, and the elaborate funeral ceremonies that followed.
The Decline and Death of Louis XIV
- Louis XIV began experiencing health problems in August 1715, initially misdiagnosed as sciatica.
- His condition worsened due to untreated gangrene in his left leg.
- Medical treatments of the time included ineffective purging, bleeding, and herbal remedies.
- The king endured intense pain, remaining public and dutiful until he was bedridden.
- On August 25, 1715, he received last rites, accepted his fate, and began bidding farewell to family and court.
- Louis XIV died on the morning of September 1, 1715, after ruling for 72 years.
Succession and Political Decisions
- At his death, his only heir was his five-year-old great-grandson, the future Louis XV.
- Louis XIV's will attempted to regulate the regency, favoring the Duke of Maine over the Duke of Orléans.
- The Parliament of Paris annulled the will, naming the Duke of Orléans as Regent shortly after the king’s death.
Funeral Rites and Ceremonies
- After his death, Louis XIV's body underwent autopsy, traditional embalming, and separation into body, heart, and entrails.
- His body was displayed briefly and placed in a double coffin for transport to the Royal necropolis at Saint-Denis.
- The funeral procession was elaborate, involving large public displays and ceremonies stretching over weeks.
- The king’s heart and entrails were buried at separate locations per royal tradition.
Legacy and Symbolism
- Louis XIV's funeral ceremonies reflected his emphasis on public image and the absolute monarchy.
- The phrase "The king is dead, long live the king" signified the seamless transition of power to Louis XV.
- His remains, after revolutionary disruption, were eventually restored to Saint-Denis by Louis XVIII.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Gangrene — death of body tissue due to lack of blood flow or infection.
- Regency — period of rule by a regent on behalf of a monarch not yet of age.
- Palatine Chapel — chapel associated with a royal palace.
- Embalming — process of preserving a body after death.
- Divine Right of Kings — belief that monarchs derive their authority directly from God.
- Autopsy — examination of a body after death to determine cause.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the succession crisis and its political significance.
- Study the ritual aspects of royal funerals in early modern France.