What historical period is characterized by the concept of "divine right"?

The concept of "divine right" is most closely associated with the Age of Absolutism, a historical period primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. This doctrine held that monarchs derived their authority directly from God, meaning their rule was justified and unquestionable, as they were seen as God’s appointed sovereigns on Earth.

During this time, many European rulers claimed that their power was divinely ordained, which allowed them to exercise absolute power without accountability to their subjects or governing bodies. For example, monarchs like Louis XIV of France famously embodied this idea, famously declaring, "L'état, c'est moi" (I am the state), reflecting their belief in their divine right to rule.

In contrast, the Enlightenment was characterized by an emphasis on reason, individualism, and critiques of traditional authority, rather than a reinforcement of the divine right of kings. The Renaissance focused more on the revival of classical learning and arts, whereas the Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift towards industrialization and economic change, with little connection to the ideology of monarchy or governance through divine sanction.