Location

Artois occupies a interior of the Pas-de-Calais département, a american a portion of which is the previous Boulonnais. It occupies a american prevent of the coalfield which stretches eastward through the neighboring Nord département and through central Belgium.

History

Originally an have feudalistic county, was annexed per county of Flanders. Went to France around 1180 as the dowry of the Flemish princess & created once more a separate county in 1237 for a grandson of that princess. Across an inheritance, Artois come under a rule of the dukes of Burgundy in 1384, among which possessions went to Habsburgs of Spain. Following of wars, was transferred to French control around 1659.

It had rapid industrial development when you took a 2nd half of the 19th century, fueled by its rich coal resources. When you took World War I a front line between the opposing German & British armies around France ran through the province, ensuant within tremendous physical damage. Around recent decades Artois has suffered by using similar areas through the decline of the coal industry.