Starting Population     365                     % of Worldwide          1.2%                    

                                                Population                                      

Starting Income         5,889                   % of Worldwide          0.9%                    

                                                Income                                          

Starting GDP            161,141                 % of Worldwide GDP      2.0%                    

Starting Surplus        535                     % of Worldwide          1.6%                    

                                                Surplus                                         

22 fiefs in province                            Overlord:               d'Anjou (231)
           

Kingdom: HRE:Arles

Comments: Provence lies between the Rhone and the Alps. An ancient and rich region, it is named after the Roman "province" of Gallia Narbonensis, established in 121 B.C. On the fall of the Roman Empire it was overrun by successive waves of barbarians, but always remained rather more civilized than the rest of northwestern Europe.

Part of the Carolingian Empire, it eventually became incorporated in the Kingdom of Arles, a part of the Holy Roman Empire from the early 11th century. From the mid-13th century Provence has been ruled by the House of Anjou , technically in fief of the Holy Father. The Angevins have used Provence as a base from which to proceed to the conquest of Naples in 1266. Under the Angevins a regional estates has been established, and there is a good deal of local autonomy. There are Archbishops at Arles , Aix , Emrun , and since 1309 Avignon has been the seat of the Popes. Fishing is important along the coast, and Marseilles is a major port. The principal products are wheat, wine, and olives, and there is some industry in the larger towns.