Verdun

Verdun ( vur-DUN, UK also VAIR-dun, US also vair-DUN; French: [vɛʁdœ̃] ; official name before 1970: Verdun-sur-Meuse) is a city in the Meuse department in Grand Est, northeastern France. It is an arrondissement of the department. In 843, the Treaty of Verdun, which divided the Carolingian Empire into three kingdoms—considered the foundation of Germany and France—was signed there. An episcopal principality of the Holy Roman Empire since the 10th century, Verdun was subjugated by France in 1552, during the "Voyage to Austrasia". Along with the other free cities of the Empire, Metz and Toul, it formed the province of the Three Bishoprics, which was attached to the Kingdom of France in 1648 by the Treaty of Münster. Verdun is the biggest city in Meuse, although the capital of the department is Bar-le-Duc, which is slightly smaller than Verdun. It is well known for giving its name to the longest battle in modern history in the First World War.