# Louis XIV marries Maria Theresa of Spain (1660)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1660-louis-xiv-marries-maria-theresa-of-spain
Location: Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The marriage linked Bourbon and Habsburg dynasties and later underpinned succession claims. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Louis XIV (King of France). Louis XIV marries Maria Theresa of Spain mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Louis XIV marries Maria Theresa of Spain mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Louis XIV](https://history-france.com/rulers/louis-xiv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Louis XIV marries Maria Theresa of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Louis+XIV+marries+Maria+Theresa+of+Spain&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Louis XIV marries Maria Theresa of Spain](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Louis+XIV+marries+Maria+Theresa+of+Spain)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)