The Counts of Rethel were noble rulers in the region of Rethel, located in present-day northeastern France. This title emerged in the early medieval period, with the first known count being Hugh of Rethel in the 10th century. The counts played a significant role in the feudal system, managing lands and providing military support to the king. Throughout their history, the Counts of Rethel were involved in various political alliances and conflicts, often linked to the larger powers of France and Flanders. The title eventually became extinct in the 13th century, but the legacy of the counts remains part of the region's historical narrative.