Limousin

Limousin (lēmzăN`), region and former province, S central France, in the arid, hilly country W of the Auvergne Mts. It comprises the depts. of Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienne. Limoges, the historic capital, is the center of ceramics industries, for which the abundant kaolin of the region is used; both Limoges and Tulle are important markets for the cattle raised in most of Limousin; Brive-la-Gaillarde is surrounded by fertile lowlands. In 918, Limousin was enfeoffed to the duchy of Aquitaine, and much of its history is essentially that of Aquitaine. Ravaged by Edward the Black Prince in the Hundred Years War, Limousin was reconquered for France (1370–74) by Bertrand du Guesclin. It remained a depressed area until Turgot became intendant (1761–64) and introduced notable reforms.

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Limousin

Historical and government region, central France. Covering 6,541 sq mi (16,942 sq km), the modern administrative region of Limousin (pop., 1999: 710,939) is roughly coextensive with the region when it held provincial status. The capital is Limoges (pop., 1999: 133,960). Originally inhabited by the ancient Gallic tribe of Lemovices, the region was conquered by Rome c. 50 BC. Under the Carolingians, it was part of Aquitaine. On Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage to King Henry II of England in 1152, it passed to English control. Subsequently fought over by England and France, it was finally annexed to the French crown under the French king Henry IV.