Treaty of Verdun divides the Carolingian empire

Historical Context Note

Litencyc Editors (Independent Scholar - Europe)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.5.2.01: French Writing and Culture: Old French to the Middle Ages , 500-1400.
Vol. editors: Marianne Ailes (University of Bristol), Matthew Siôn Lampitt (University of Bristol), Tim Unwin (University of Bristol), David Williams (University of Sheffield)

Domains

Treaties and alliances

Dates

Date of occurrence 843

Places

France (Location)

Resources

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Charlemagne was succeeded by one of his sons, Louis I the Pious (814-40). The Frankish empire had been held together by Charlemagne’s military prowess, his reputation for ruthless treatment of opponents, and the efficient administration presided over by Alcuin. Within a few years of his death, his vast empire began to separate into disputatious fiefdoms. In 817 Louis organised the “Divisio Imperii”, attempting to assure the unity of the empire whilst dividing it into three kingdoms. Across the next 26 years, through dynastic struggles partially resolved by the Treaty of Verdun, Europe was divided into “Francia Occidentalis” (modern France west of the Rhone) under Charles II the Bald, “Francia Orientalis” (much of modern Germany east of the Rhine, plus Bavaria, Western…

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267 words

Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Treaty of Verdun divides the Carolingian empire". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 November 2005 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=1640, accessed 06 May 2024.]

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