During the seventeenth century, when the rulers of beautiful France were firmly established as major power in the land, the royal family surrounded itself with a detailed and carefully planned ritual of manners. Such a ritual was strongest around the figure of the monarch himself. This came about for two reasons. In surrounding himself and his relatives with a ritual of behavior, Louis XIV reminded himself of his own magnificence. He removed himself, by the creation of a royal atmosphere, from the ordinary citizens who had once challenged his life and his power. Now they were subjects, while he was supreme int he land. he could proclaim royal punishments of offer mercy, as he chose. More practical and more important, it was by this ritual that he convinced his nobles that he was all powerful and all important. Being granted royal favour meant more than lands or riches, for, if the nobles were favoured by their king, they often were privileged to live at court. This meant being in the company of the ruler, and perhaps even being given additional power. By suggesting that he might give them power, Louis kept his rebellious nobles under his royal nose, where they could more easily be controlled and be prevented from challenging his royal authority. He could also keep them in control by flattering and impressing them. The nobles themselves soon developed a snobbishness. Because being, at the royal court did mean luxurious surroundings, more exciting activity, and possible advancement, those who remained at home were condemned by the others as being stupid and unrefined. Nobles who spent their time cultivating the land and comforting their people were hailed as idiots and often were subjected to royal displeasure. Yes, excitement, gaiety, romance, and adventurous intrigue were found at court. Balls and dinners, plays and dancing were the usual forms of entertainment. Skilled musicians, famous poets, beautiful women, and internationally known figures attended these functions.