Verdun
a fortified French town in the department of Meuse; 35 miles W. of Metz. It has 11 forts, a cathedral, forts, cathedral, and manufactures of iron, liquors, sweetmeats, leather, and beer. In 843 a famous treaty was made here between the Emperor Lothaire and his brother Ludwig the German, by which the Frankish empire was divided in three .
The fortress has been often besieged; as fortress has been often besieged; it was in 1870 by the Germans for six weeks, when it capitulated. It was the last place held by Germany, given up only in September, 1873. Verdun played a great part in the World War. It was greatly strengthened, and in 1916 withstood the assault of great German armies for months, and by its successful defense saved France and the war for the Allies. Pop. about 15,000. See . Pop. about 15,000.
WORLD WAR.