Famous Last Words
King Louis XIV
Versailles, France
September 1, 1715
“Why weep you? Did you think I should live for ever? I thought dying would be harder.”
Louis, the “Sun King,” ascended the throne at the age of just 4 years old. Custom dictated the Queen should reign, but Louis XIII had little faith in a Queen Anne’s political abilities and, sensing his end fast approaching, instructed his son to be King with a regency counsel (headed by Queen Anne) to rule on behalf of Louis XIV until he reached a proper age to rule by himself. He was coronated at 15 and gained absolute control over France 7 years later when his chief minister, Cardinal Jules Mazarin, died.
Horrific history from today:
1939: Bullet exits gunman’s head, shatters glass held by waitress (2017)
1994: Child murdered by teens (2017)
1986: Four people burned alive, a fifth raped and strangled during robbery (2018)
Horror-related anniversaries:
Today in Horror History: September 1
