Île-de-France (province)

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This article is about the historical province of Île-de-France. For the current French administrative région, see Île-de-France (région). For other meanings without the circumflex accent, see Île-de-France.

Île-de-France coat of arms (1st version)

Île-de-France is one of the ancient provinces of France, and the one that has been the centre of power during most of French history^[1]. It is centred on Paris. Today, the territory of the province of Île-de-France is divided between the Île-de-France région and the Picardie région.

The name first appears in 1387, replacing the older "Pays de France" when the word pays began to refer to a nation, rather than to a region or area. The name "Île-de-France" (literally "Island of France") comes from the rivers Seine, Marne, Oise, and Beuvronne by which the area is surrounded like an island.

The area around Paris was the original personal domain of the king of France, as opposed to areas ruled by feudal lords of whom he was the suzerain. This is reflected by divisions such as the Véxin Français and the Véxin Normand, the former being within the King of France's domain, the latter being within the Duke of Normandy's fief.

Île-de-France coat of arms (2nd version)

In 1181 King Philip II cancelled 80 percent of all debts owed to Jews; the remaining 20 percent was to be paid directly to the king. In 1182 King Philip II expelled the Jews from the Île-de-France.