House of Rochechouart | |
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Noble family | |
Parent house | House of Limoges |
Country | France |
Founded | 980 |
Founder | Aimery I, Viscount of Rochechouart |
Current head | Aimery, Marquis of Rochechouart Mortemart branch: Charles-Emmanuel, Duke of Mortemart |
Titles | |
Motto | L'Esprit surpasse la Matière (French for 'Mind over matter') |
Estate(s) | Château de Rochechouart Château de Jumilhac Hôtel de Rochechouart (formerly) |
Cadet branches |
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The House of Rochechouart (French: [ʁɔʃ(ə)ʃwaʁ]; Maison de Rochechouart) is the oldest noble family in France. This powerful dynasty of the Carolingian era dates back to Foucher, supporter of Charles the Bald, who became viscount (vicomte) of Limoges in 876. His descendants—Limoges, Rochechouart, Mortemart and Brosse—ruled over the area for several centuries, providing many different French regimes with politicians, soldiers, functionaries and other notable figures. The family is named after the town of Rochechouart.