This map, published by The Collector in 2025, shows the division of the Carolingian Empire after the Treaty of Verdun, signed in August 843.

The Carolingian Empire was established in 800, with the coronation of Charlemagne in Rome, and remained united until 840, on the death of Louis the Pious, Charlemagne's only surviving son. His three sons, following Frankish tradition, divided the patrimony equally in the Treaty of Verdun in 843:

• Western France, ruled by Charles the Bald. It became the embryo of the future kingdom of France.
• France Media, ruled by Lotarius I. It included the northern part of Italy, part of the Mediterranean coast and extended as far as the North Sea. It was the territory that took the shortest time to fragment.
• Eastern France, ruled by Ludwig the Germanic. It was the direct predecessor of the Holy Roman Empire.

This division, while drawing firm borders, did not delimit states in the modern sense of the term. In practice, the borders were zones of diffuse influence that would change greatly over the years. This division left a lasting mark: the Treaty of Verdun is historically considered the starting point in the differentiation between the political entities of France and Germany.

Sources

• Map: Carolingian Empire After the Treaty of Verdun (843 CE)