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How did the Treaty of Verdun divide Louis I’s empire in 843?

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The Treaty of Verdun, signed in August 843, partitioned the Carolingian empire among the three surviving sons of Louis I (the Pious), marking a significant stage in the dissolution of Charlemagne’s empire.1

The division was allocated as follows:

  • Lothar I: As the eldest son, he was confirmed in his imperial title and received Francia Media. This central strip of territory encompassed parts of modern-day Belgium, the Netherlands, western Germany, eastern France, Switzerland, and much of Italy.1
  • Louis the German: He received Francia Orientalis, which consisted of the lands located east of the Rhine River.1
  • Charles II (the Bald): He received Francia Occidentalis, comprising the remainder of modern France.1