What was the War of the Reunions (1683 - 1684)?

If China brought fears to world from its ambitions and impunity, the same could be said for to the greatest rogue state of Europe in the 17th century – France and its ambitious Sun King Louis XIV.

What happened during the Franco-Dutch War (1672 – 1678)? - Part 2

As Louis made advances against the war, the shift in balance of power in favor of France threatening other European monarch that forced them to act.

What happened during the Franco-Dutch War (1672 – 1678)?

The War of Devolution revealed Louis XIV’s ambition to expand his kingdom’s domain. And with the betrayal of the Dutch during the previous conflict, the Sun King desired revenge.

Who was Denis Papin?

An obscure inventor and scientist that contributed to the development of modern steam engine - Denis Papin.

5 Great French Commanders of the Franco-Dutch War

The Franco-Dutch War was the first major conflict where King Louis XIV embroiled his kingdom in and faced the might of Europe's major powers. Behind King Louis' ambition stood his generals from different backgrounds, innovations, and  achievements.

Who was Cardinal Mazarin?

The Machiavellian diplomat that established the international peace that welcomed the reign of King Louis XIV – Cardinal Mazarin (1602 – 1661)

Marquis de Louvois and the Reformation of the Royal French Army

Louvois had been credited into building a formidable fighting force that realized the imperial dreams and ambitions of his King Louis XIV.

Who were the Le Telliers?

Arising with the Sun King, middle class statesmen rose to prominence and influence. Among them a family that produced a dynasty in the war minisry - the Le Telliers. 

How did the Edict of Fontainebleu brought France down?

France in the 18th century would have defeated Great Britain as the super power of the world if King Louis XIV did not introduced the Edict of Fontainebleau, a declaration of persecution of Protestant within his realm.

What was the Urabi Revolt?

Urabi Revolt displayed a resolved of a people to resist against economic and political incursion of a foreign power.

Who was Ismail Pasha?

A visionary desiring to transform Egypt into a beacon of modernization in North Africa, but Ismail Pasha left a legacy of debt that brought his country to the hands of imperial powers.

What was the Fronde?

A civil war (1648 – 1652) in France that pitted feudal rights and absolute monarchy of King Louis XIV.

The War of Devolution

Betrayal, bribery, and ambition plagued European politics in the 17th century. Alliance came and go and war remained constant to grab as much territory as much as possible for whatever the reason. The War of Devolution (1667 -1668) illustrated this.

Rise and Fall of King Louis XIV

To write about the life of King Louis XIV (1623 – 1715, r. 1651 – 1715) paralleled writing of a novel. He did not became the most renowned King of France for nothing. His reign had tumultuous event that shaped French and world history.

Persian Achaemenid Architecture

The Achaemenid Persians established the greatest land Empire in the ancient world commanding vast wealth and power. This brought about the development of Persian architecture that blended the architectural ideas from its diverse population and merged it to its own unique style that inspires awe from then and now.