Answer: Louis the XIV was the king of France in the 17th Century. He was a perfect example of an Absolute Monarch. He was a very extravagant ruler. He built Versailles Palace as a symbol of his success, commissioned large amounts of art and theater, and had complete control over the nobles and society. Because he was devout Catholic, he revoked the Edict of Nantes so that Protestants had no power, and practiced divine right. He also built up Europe's largest army with the goal of extending France's power in Europe. His force was larger than all of his enemies' combined. This power required high taxes, tariffs, and nobles who would enforce the law around the country.