Obaba Museum

If you followed the last post, you already know so much about his sexual prowess and of course, his ascension to the throne at a very young age. Today we would be dropping some bizzare facts you never heard about him. Sit tight and grab your popcorn or chin-chin.

A state in the US is named in his honor

Louisiana was named after King Louis XIV of France in 1682. The French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier claimed the territory for France and named it in honor of the king. Actually, Louisiana remained a French colony until 1762, when it was ceded to Spain in the Treaty of Fontainebleau. However, the Spanish did not make any significant changes to the colony, and it remained under French control until it was officially sold to the United States. The sale was finalized in 1803, and Louisiana became a part of the United States joining the union in 1812. Today, Louisiana is known for its rich culture and diversity. From New Orleans to Baton Rouge, there is much to explore in this fascinating state with a past influenced by its French heritage.

His heart was eaten by an Englishman

About a century and a half after his death, it is said that Louis XIV’s heart became a meal for the eccentric Englishman William Buckland. He was known for his unorthodox methods and strange eating habits. As a geologist and paleontologist, he liked to understand perfectly the specimens that passed through his hands and even used to taste their flavor. While he was dining with company at a country house in Oxfordshire, England, he was presented with the heart. According to the raconteur Augustus Hare, Buckland exclaimed “I have eaten many strange things, but have never eaten the heart of a king before”, and casually washed it down his throat before anyone could stop him. Surprisingly, this event never had any negative consequences for Buckland’s career, and he remained a respected scientist in the UK.

Louis XIV was a great Ballet Dancer

Besides being a great politician and military leader, he was also an accomplished artist and dancer. His passion for ballet began when he was just a teenager. He played the Rising Sun in Le Ballet de la Nuit (The Ballet of the Night). From there, he took the name the “Sun King” which would accompany him throughout his life.

Additionally, he was also a good dancer in social settings. At the French court, it was customary to offer long evenings of dancing. The king could participate, and it was a great honor to be able to dance with him.

He was an art lover

He was one of the most effective patrons of the arts in history. During his reign, the arts flourished as never before, with some of the most iconic works of art being produced during this period. Louis XVI supported a wide range of artists, from painters and sculptors to architects and musicians. Actually, he patronized many famous artists, such as Molière and Jean Racine. Moreover, he encouraged them to push the boundaries of their respective disciplines, resulting in some truly groundbreaking works. In addition to supporting established artists, Louis XIV also invested heavily in the training of young talent. He supported art academies throughout France so that the country could compete with Italy as the artistic hub—and it set the stage for the golden age of French art.

He is rumoured to have had a twin brother

There are many mysteries surrounding the life of Louis XIV, one of the most enduring is the story of his alleged twin brother, who was supposedly kept hidden away and made to wear an iron mask.

The most popular version of the story is that shortly after Louis XIV was born, his father, was presented with a second baby. Fearing that twin brothers would threaten his kingdom, the king ordered that one of the babies be sent away to be raised in secret. The child was then made to wear an iron mask so that no one would ever know his identity. For years, rumors circulated about the existence of the imprisoned twin, and many people believed that the man in the iron mask was actually Louis’s long-lost brother. While there is no evidence that he has family ties with Louis XIV, the story has captivated hearts and minds for centuries. In any case, there will always be doubts about the true identity of this man whom the king forced to hide his identity.

Which of these facts threw you off balance? Let’s know in the comments.