Birth of Voltaire
Francois-Marie Arouet, later known as Voltaire, is born in Paris.
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Francois-Marie Arouet Biography and Timeline
Follow Francois-Marie Arouet through 10 dated historical records for France.
Francois-Marie Arouet, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
10Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1694–1778Years on this page
1694
1717
Imprisonment in the Bastille
Arouet is imprisoned in the Bastille after being accused of writing satirical verses.
1718
Adoption of the Name Voltaire
Arouet adopts the name Voltaire and achieves theatrical success with Oedipe.
1726
Exile in Great Britain
Voltaire begins an English exile that deepens his interest in constitutional government and Newtonian science.
1734
Philosophical Letters
Voltaire publishes the Philosophical Letters, praising English toleration, commerce and scientific thought.
Refuge at Cirey
Voltaire takes refuge at Cirey with Emilie du Chatelet after official condemnation of his letters.
1759
Candide
Voltaire publishes Candide, attacking philosophical optimism through satire.
1763
Treatise on Tolerance
Voltaire publishes the Treatise on Tolerance after campaigning against the Calas miscarriage of justice.
1764
Philosophical Dictionary
Voltaire publishes the Philosophical Dictionary as an accessible critique of intolerance and superstition.
1778
Death of Voltaire
Voltaire dies in Paris after returning triumphantly to the city, aged eighty-three.
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.