The Viscounts of Rochechouart reigned for 800 years in the castle. * Aymeric I, who lived around 990, was the ancestor of the dynasty. * Aymeric IV took part in the First Crusade at the side of Godfrey of Bouillon * Aymeric VI (1170-1230) built the current castle, of which the keep and the entry châtelet remain. In 1205, his wife Alix, accused of adultery by the intendant of the castle, was locked up in the lion's cage in the east tower. The animal did not devour her, but lay down at her feet instead. She was cleared and the intendant was thrown into cage, where he was eaten soon after.[citation needed] * Aymeric IX took part in 1283 in the Aragon expedition, at the side of French King Philippe III the Bold. * Simon and Jean I fought in Flanders in 1304 and 1328 beside Ki