New research proposes a revised understanding of the death of King Louis XIV, who died in 1715. For centuries, gangrene was believed to be the primary cause, but recent studies suggest other factors were at play. Researchers now hypothesize a combination of a fungal infection and an underlying, previously undetected kidney disease. This combination likely weakened the king, leaving him vulnerable to the ultimately fatal gangrene. The discoveries offer a more nuanced explanation for the “Sun King’s” demise, challenging long-held historical assumptions. This new analysis provides a deeper insight into the health issues that plagued the French monarch in his final days.