Ancient province of central France now 
comprising the departements Allier, Cantal,
Haute-Loire, and Puy-de-Dome area 
26,000 sq km/10,036 sq mi population (1986)
1,334,000 capital is Clermont-Ferrand
physical it lies at the Central Plateau and
is mountainous, composed chiefly of volcanic
rocks in several masses products cattle,
wheat, wine, and cheese history named after
the ancient Gallic Avenni tribe whose leader,
Vercingetorix, led a revolt aginst the Romans
in 52 BC.  In the 14th century the Auvergne
was divided into a duchy, dauphiny, and
countship. The duchy and dauphiny were united
by the dukes of Bourbon before being
confiscated by Francis I in 1527. The
countship united with France in 1615.

Subject by: Russell Webb