What ruler launched the age of absolute monarchy in medieval Europe?

The age of absolute monarchy in medieval Europe is often attributed to King Louis XIV of France, who reigned from 1643 to 1715. He famously declared, "L'état, c'est moi" ("I am the state"), embodying the principle of absolute rule where the monarch holds supreme authority. Louis XIV centralized power, diminished the influence of the nobility, and established a strong, centralized state, setting a precedent for later absolute monarchs across Europe. His reign marked a significant shift towards the consolidation of royal power in the late medieval period.