Louis XV was the Hamlet of kings.

Louis grew into a very handsome man. He had an inquisitive nature and was well educated. His interests ranged from botany to architecture to physics.

He married the princess Marie Leszczyñska of Poland and together they had ten children. But he became bored by his dull wife and proceeded to the end of his life to have many official mistresses and one-night-stands.

In his youth Louis XV was a very popular king. He was nicknamed “The Beloved”. But that popularity rapidly sank as France’s economy dragged and Louis had a series of diplomatic and battlefield blunders.

Louis XV was essentially not cut out to be a king. He lacked the vision, energy and ruthlessness to be an effective ruler. He was easily bored and prone to distraction and melancholy. He was lazy and avoided work.

Louis XV died a horrible death by smallpox at the age of 64. He was hastily buried with little ceremony.

Note: Legend has it that Louis XV said “Aprés moi, le deluge” or “After me, the deluge” which prophesizes the coming revolution.