Louis XIV grew up in an environment of great political instability.
One of his primary goals in building Versailles was to lure the nobles away from Paris in order to better control them.
He succeeded : thousands of courtiers relocated to Versailles, either renting rooms in the palace or in town, eager to be seen by and interact with the king.
3 evenings a week, the king would host elaborate parties in the State Apartments.
References to Louis XIV's power permeate these rooms.
Each room is named after gods or planets—Venus, Mercury, Mars, Apollo, Diana, Hercules.
In the Room of Venus, a statue depicts Louis XIV as a Roman emperor, alongside paintings of Augustus and Alexander the Great.
Fun fact: in the Room of Abundance, the vase painted above the door is the "nef d'or" - Louis XIV's golden napkin holder, which was only used on special occasions and had to be greeted by courtiers as they passed it!
The Room of Mars features paintings of Mars, the god of war, as well as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Augustus.
The room of Mercury features paintings promoting Louis XIV's patronage of the arts and sciences, as well as his diplomatic achievements.
Fun fact : the clock on the mantlepiece depicts Louis XIV and Fame descending from clouds each time hour strikes!
The room of Hercules boasts one of the largest painted ceilings in the world.
Finally, the room of Apollo was Louis XIV's throne room.
The throne was placed at the top of steps and surrounded by dazzling silver furniture, which was later melted down to fund his wars.
The ceiling painting represents Apollo, the god of sun, beauty and youth - Louis XIV's favourite symbol.
At weekly parties, guests would walk up the stairs and be greeted with baskets of flowers, fruits and sweets.
In the Room of Abundance, they would be offered coffee, wines, and liqueurs.
The Room of Diana would feature billiard tables and the Room of Mercury games.
The Room of Mars would host concerts, and balls would be hosted in the Room of Hercules.
