# Verdun

> commune in Meuse, France

**Wikidata**: [Q154748](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q154748)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdun)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/verdun

## Summary
Verdun is a commune located in the Meuse department of the Grand Est region in northeastern France. It serves as a historically significant site, most notably as the location of the 1916 Battle of Verdun during World War I and the 843 Treaty of Verdun which established West Francia. The town functions as an administrative hub, housing the arrondissement of Verdun and various cantonal divisions, while also hosting key landmarks like Verdun Cathedral and the Verdun Memorial.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Commune in the Meuse department, France.
- **Geographic Coordinates**: Latitude 49.159722222222, Longitude 5.3827777777778.
- **Administrative Division**: Part of the arrondissement of Verdun.
- **Cantonal History**: Formerly divided into cantons of Verdun-Centre (disbanded March 2015), Verdun-Est (est. July 23, 1973), and Verdun-Ouest (est. July 23, 1973); currently divided into cantons of Verdun-1 and Verdun-2 (est. March 22, 2015).
- **Historical Origins**: Site of the County of Verdun (medieval inception circa 900 AD) and the Treaty of Verdun (843 AD).
- **Population Data**: Recorded figures include 17,923; 18,139; 19,083; 17,475; 17,161; 22,013; 23,621; 21,516; 20,753; 19,624; 19,374; 18,291; 16,942; 16,877; 16,689; 16,610; and 16,890.
- **Official Website**: https://www.verdun.fr.
- **Key Infrastructure**: Home to Verdun-Le-Rozelier Airport, Gare de Verdun railway station, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Verdun.
- **Major Landmarks**: Verdun Cathedral and the Verdun Memorial (museum opened in 1967).
- **Awards Received**: Croix de guerre 1914–1918, Croix de guerre 1939–1945, Knight of the Legion of Honour, Military Cross (British), Gold Medal of Military Valour (Italian), War Cross (Greek), Congressional Gold Medal (US), Czechoslovak War Cross 1918, Royal Order of Cambodia, Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol (Laos), and Order of Lāčplēsis (Latvia).
- **Related Entities**: Connected to the Battle of Verdun (1916), the Treaty of Verdun (843), and the asteroid 12288 Verdun.

## FAQs
**What is the historical significance of the Treaty of Verdun?**
The Treaty of Verdun, signed in 843 AD, was a pivotal agreement that divided the Frankish Empire among the grandsons of Charlemagne, effectively establishing West Francia as the precursor to modern France. This event is a foundational moment in French history, marking the inception of the French state as a distinct political entity.

**How has the administrative structure of Verdun changed over time?**
Verdun has undergone several administrative reorganizations, transitioning from a medieval county to a modern commune. Historically, it was split into the cantons of Verdun-Centre, Verdun-Est, and Verdun-Ouest, with the latter two established in 1973 and the Centre canton dissolved in 2015. In March 2015, the area was reorganized into the new cantons of Verdun-1 and Verdun-2.

**What military honors has Verdun received for its role in conflicts?**
The commune has been decorated with numerous international military awards for its resilience and sacrifice, particularly during the World Wars. These include the French Croix de guerre for both 1914–1918 and 1939–1945, the British Military Cross, the Italian Gold Medal of Military Valour, and the US Congressional Gold Medal, among others from Greece, Czechoslovakia, Cambodia, Laos, and Latvia.

**What are the primary transportation and religious facilities in Verdun?**
The commune is served by the Verdun-Le-Rozelier Airport and the Gare de Verdun railway station, facilitating regional and national connectivity. Religiously, it is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Verdun and is home to the historic Verdun Cathedral.

**What is the purpose of the Verdun Memorial?**
Opened in 1967, the Verdun Memorial serves as a museum and a dedicated memorial to the Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and most devastating battles of the First World War. It preserves the history of the conflict and honors the memory of those who fought and died on the Western Front.

## Why It Matters
Verdun holds immense historical and symbolic weight as the birthplace of the French nation through the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which defined the early borders of West Francia. Its significance was tragically cemented during World War I, where the Battle of Verdun became a symbol of French resistance and the brutal cost of modern warfare, drawing global attention to the Western Front. Today, the commune serves as a critical site for historical memory, peace education, and international reconciliation, hosting the Verdun Memorial which attracts visitors from around the world. The town's extensive list of international military decorations underscores its role as a focal point of global conflict and the shared human cost of war, making it a unique entity in both French and world history.

## Notable For
- **Treaty of Verdun (843)**: The location where the Frankish Empire was divided, creating West Francia.
- **Battle of Verdun (1916)**: The site of one of the longest and most significant battles of World War I.
- **International Decorations**: Recipient of military honors from over ten nations, including the US, UK, Italy, and Greece.
- **Verdun Memorial**: A major museum established in 1967 dedicated to the Battle of Verdun.
- **Administrative Evolution**: A commune that transitioned from a medieval county to a modern administrative center with evolving cantonal structures.
- **Asteroid 12288**: The celestial body named in honor of the commune.
- **Religious Seat**: Headquarters of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Verdun and location of Verdun Cathedral.
- **Transport Hub**: Home to both an airport (Verdun-Le-Rozelier) and a railway station (Gare de Verdun).

## Body

### Geography and Administration
Verdun is situated in the Meuse department within the Grand Est region of France, positioned at coordinates 49.159722222222° N and 5.3827777777778° E. As a commune, it functions as the administrative center of the arrondissement of Verdun. The town's administrative boundaries have shifted over time; it was historically divided into the cantons of Verdun-Centre, Verdun-Est, and Verdun-Ouest. The cantons of Verdun-Est and Verdun-Ouest were established on July 23, 1973, while the canton of Verdun-Centre existed until March 2015. Following a reorganization on March 22, 2015, the commune was split into the new cantons of Verdun-1 and Verdun-2. The commune is part of the broader category of communes in France, a territorial subdivision established in 1789.

### Historical Significance
The history of Verdun is deeply intertwined with the formation of France. In the medieval period, it was the seat of the County of Verdun, which originated around the year 900. The most defining historical event associated with the town is the Treaty of Verdun in 843, which divided the Frankish Empire and established West Francia, a direct precursor to the modern French state. Centuries later, during the First World War, Verdun became the site of the Battle of Verdun in 1916, a major engagement on the Western Front that resulted in massive casualties and became a symbol of French endurance. The town's resilience during these conflicts led to it receiving the Croix de guerre 1914–1918 and the Croix de guerre 1939–1945.

### Infrastructure and Facilities
Verdun possesses a range of infrastructure supporting both local residents and visitors. The town is served by the Verdun-Le-Rozelier Airport, providing air connectivity, and the Gare de Verdun, a railway station linking the commune to the national network. For religious and cultural activities, the town is home to the Verdun Cathedral and serves as the headquarters for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Verdun. The Verdun Memorial, a museum and memorial complex, was established in 1967 to commemorate the Battle of Verdun and educate the public on the history of the conflict. The official website for the commune is https://www.verdun.fr, serving as a digital hub for local information.

### Demographics and Population Trends
The population of Verdun has fluctuated significantly over recorded history. Data points indicate a range of population figures, including 17,923, 18,139, 19,083, 17,475, 17,161, 22,013, 23,621, 21,516, 20,753, 19,624, 19,374, 18,291, 16,942, 16,877, 16,689, 16,610, and 16,890. These figures reflect the demographic shifts resulting from historical events, including the devastation of World War I and subsequent periods of recovery and growth. The commune remains a significant population center within the Meuse department.

### International Recognition and Awards
Verdun has been recognized by numerous nations for its historical role and the sacrifices made by its inhabitants. The commune holds the distinction of being awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Congress. It also received the Military Cross from the British Armed Forces and the Gold Medal of Military Valour from Italy. Other international honors include the War Cross from Greece, the Czechoslovak War Cross 1918, the Royal Order of Cambodia, the Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol from Laos, and the Order of Lāčplēsis from Latvia. Domestically, the commune was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour, the first rank of the French Legion of Honour. These awards collectively highlight Verdun's status as a symbol of international solidarity and sacrifice.

### Related Entities and Cultural Impact
The legacy of Verdun extends beyond its physical borders into various cultural and scientific domains. The asteroid 12288 Verdun was named in recognition of the commune. The town is inextricably linked to the Treaty of Verdun and the Battle of Verdun, two events that are central to the study of European history. As a commune in France, it shares the national characteristics of the country, including the use of the Euro, the French language, and the national motto "Liberté, égalité, fraternité." The presence of the Verdun Memorial ensures that the lessons of the past are preserved for future generations, maintaining the town's relevance in contemporary discussions on peace and war.

## References

1. [Source](https://portugal1914.org/portal/pt/historia/iconografia/item/3972-a-entrega-da-ordem-da-torre-e-espada-a-cidade-de-verdun)
2. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154)
3. [Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia](https://president.ee/en/state-decorations/bearers-of-decorations/20517-verduni-linn-prantsusmaa)
4. [Sandre](https://www.sandre.eaufrance.fr/geo/CoursEau/B---0000)
5. BnF authorities
6. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
7. INSEE code
8. répertoire géographique des communes
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Czech National Authority Database
11. Annuaire de service-public.fr
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. MusicBrainz
14. Recensement de la population 2015. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies. 2017
15. Populations légales 2016
16. Populations légales 2017
17. Populations légales 2018
18. [Populations légales communales depuis 1968. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies](https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/2522602)
19. Populations légales 2019
20. Populations légales 2020
21. Populations légales 2021
22. Populations de référence 2022
23. Populations de référence 2023
24. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
25. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
26. National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies
27. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
28. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
29. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
30. museum-digital