Although absolutism eventually occurred throughout Europe, its origins can be traced back to France, during the reign of Louis XIII. Absolute monarchy or absolutism meant that the sovereign power or ultimate authority in the state rested in the hands of a king who claimed to rule by divine right. This was true in the time of Louis XIV. Although inherited, absolutism reached its height while he was in command. He was, however, unlike other rulers in the sense that he created complete absolutism. During his reign, he tried to dominate all that was in France, including the papacy, nobility, and even nature. For the duration of Louis XIV, absolutism had fully, if not exceedingly, reached the definition.
             Louis XIV ruled from 1661 to 1715. During this time, his inheritance of absolutism proved to influence his decisions and the way he governed France. To establish absolute power over the people of France, Louis used a variety of different tools, the first and foremost being the palace of Versailles. The court was one of, if not the most glamourous of the time. He used the palace to persuade the upper nobility. They were encouraged to come to the court. This was achieved because people became convinced that it was their goal to be invited to live at Versailles. This was simply a ploy to lure the nobility to his court where he could keep a watchful eye, and this almost guaranteed that no one would rebel against him.
             At Versailles, extravagant balls, celebrations, ballets, plays, etc. were held to showcase the wealth of his kingdom and the glory of his reign. Once the nobility was present, Louis XIV used culture and entertainment rather than force to control them. His gardens are even today a marvel. He would demand almost impossible tasks which required the help of over four hundred garden staff. For instance, to ensure his flowers were always in bloom, Louis XIV had the gardeners re-plant anything that looked wilted
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