The Battle of Verdun (French: Bataille de Verdun [bataj də vɛʁdœ̃]; German: Schlacht um Verdun [ʃlaxt ʔʊm ˈvɛɐ̯dœ̃]) was fought from 21 February to 18 December 1916 on the Western Front in France. The battle was the longest of the First World War and took place on the hills north of Verdun.
The Battle of Verdun, 21 February-15 December 1916, became the longest battle in modern history. It was originally planned by the German Chief of General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn to secure victory for Germany on the Western Front.
In a war known for its brutality, the Battle of Verdun, (February 21–December 18, 1916), was among the longest and bloodiest conflicts of World War I.
Verdun has become the representative memory of World War One for the French, much like the Battle of the Somme in the UK. The battle symbolises the determination of the French Army and the destructiveness of the war.
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.
Verdun was a Gallic fortress before Roman times. It was there in 843 that three grandsons of Charlemagne divided his empire in the Treaty of Verdun. Conquered by German invaders in the 10th century, it was later linked with Metz and Toul to form the Trois-Évêchés (Three Bishoprics) territory.
Verdun was the longest battle of World War One, lasting a total of 300 days. Logistics, politics, pride and strategy all helped to prolong the conflict.