François-Marie Arouet

François-Marie Arouet, later known as Voltaire, was born to François Arouet, a notary, and Marie Marguerite d'Aumart, in Paris. He was the youngest of five children.

Voltaire begins his education at the prestigious Jesuit college, Collège Louis-le-Grand, where he receives a classical education and develops his early literary skills.

Voltaire completes his formal education at Collège Louis-le-Grand and leaves to pursue a career in law, though he is more interested in literature and the arts.

Voltaire is imprisoned in the Bastille for 11 months for writing a satirical poem that criticizes the Regent, Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. This experience solidifies his opposition to tyranny and censorship.

Voltaire publishes his first play, 'Oedipus,' which is a great success. He also officially adopts the pen name 'Voltaire,' marking the beginning of his literary career.

After a dispute with the Chevalier de Rohan, a powerful nobleman, Voltaire is exiled to England. He spends three years there, where he becomes familiar with English literature, philosophy, and political thought.

Voltaire publishes 'Letters on the English,' a collection of essays that praise English political and religious freedom. The work is banned in France and leads to his temporary exile to Cirey.

Voltaire is invited by Frederick the Great to join the Prussian court in Berlin. He serves as a philosopher and writer, but the relationship with Frederick deteriorates, leading to his departure.

Voltaire purchases the Château de Ferney near the French-Swiss border, where he lives for the last 20 years of his life. Ferney becomes a center for intellectual and literary activity.

Voltaire dies in Paris, France, after a long and illustrious career as a writer, philosopher, and advocate for freedom of speech and religion. His legacy as one of the leading figures of the Enlightenment endures.