The history of the French Kings spans over a thousand years, beginning with the establishment of the Merovingian dynasty in the 5th century. Notable monarchs include Charlemagne, who expanded the Frankish empire and was crowned Emperor in 800 AD, and Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, who ruled for 72 years and centralized power in France. The monarchy faced challenges, including the Hundred Years' War and the French Revolution in 1789, which ultimately led to its downfall. The last king, Louis-Philippe, abdicated in 1848, marking the end of the traditional monarchy in France and the rise of the Second Republic.