King Louis XVI was born August 23, 1754. He would go on to be one of the longest reigning monarchs in France's history. During his time on the throne, he embedded himself as the heart of France's culture. He became known as the "Sun King" and even supposedly said himself, "L'état, c'est moi" or "I am the State." This declaration was meant to underpin the absolution of his rule and his place at the center of France's culture and society.