Voltaire's Milestones
Birth
Born François-Marie Arouet in Paris, France, to François Arouet and Marie Marguerite Daumard. Baptized on 22 November 1694.
Jesuit education at Collège Louis-le-Grand
Educated by Jesuits at Collège Louis-le-Grand in Paris, studying Latin, theology, and rhetoric.
First literary ambitions
Began writing poetry and essays, aspiring to be a writer despite his father's wishes for a legal career.
Secretary at French Embassy in Netherlands
Worked as secretary to the French ambassador in The Hague; affair with Catherine Olympe Dunoyer led to return to France.
Expelled from Paris
Expelled from Paris for satirical writings critical of the Regent.
Imprisoned in Bastille
Imprisoned in the Bastille for lampooning the French government in satirical verse.
Debut play 'Oedipus'
Achieved literary fame with the tragedy 'Oedipus' at the Comédie-Française.
Name change to Voltaire
Adopted the pen name 'Voltaire,' marking a new literary identity.
Published 'La Henriade'
Published epic poem 'La Henriade,' glorifying Henry IV and religious tolerance; smuggled into Paris.
Published 'Mariamne'
Premiered the play 'Mariamne'; revised version performed at royal wedding in 1725.
Exiled to England
Exiled to England after conflict with aristocrat Guy Auguste de Rohan-Chabot. Immersed in English society and philosophy.
Published 'Letters on the English'
Published 'Letters on the English' (Lettres philosophiques), introducing Enlightenment ideas to France; book banned and burned.
Relationship with Émilie du Châtelet
Began 16-year relationship with mathematician Émilie du Châtelet; collaborated on scientific and philosophical works at Château de Cirey.
Scientific and historical works at Cirey
Co-authored experiments and studies; promoted Newtonian science in France; wrote 'Elements of the Philosophy of Newton.'
Moved to Prussia
Lived at Frederick the Great's court in Potsdam; became chamberlain and member of the Order of Merit; completed 'Micromégas.'
Return to France and Geneva
Returned to France, then settled in Geneva and later at Ferney due to bans and religious tensions.
Moved to Ferney
Purchased estate at Ferney near Swiss border; hosted intellectuals, advocated for civil liberties, and became a leading Enlightenment figure.
Published 'Candide'
Published 'Candide,' a satirical novel critiquing optimism and organized religion; became his most famous work.
Advocacy for justice (Jean Calas case)
Led campaign to overturn wrongful execution of Huguenot merchant Jean Calas, championing religious tolerance and justice.
Published 'Dictionnaire philosophique'
Published 'Dictionnaire philosophique,' a series of articles challenging church dogma and promoting Enlightenment values.
Return to Paris and final acclaim
Returned to Paris after 25 years; celebrated at performance of his play 'Irene.'
Initiated into Freemasonry
Initiated as an Entered Apprentice Freemason at Loge des Neuf Sœurs in Paris, weeks before his death.
Death
Died in Paris at age 83; denied Christian burial due to criticism of the Church; secretly buried at Abbey of Scellières.
Remains enshrined in Panthéon
Remains transferred to the Panthéon in Paris as a symbol of Enlightenment and the French Revolution; attended by an estimated million people.