Verdun, Argonne-Metz, 1914-1918

Verdun’s story stretches back to its origins as a Gallic settlement and a Roman castrum, then through medieval power struggles that saw the town change hands between French and German rulers. The narrative traces the shifting loyalties of its bishops, counts, and burgesses, illustrating how local defiance shaped the city’s identity long before the modern era. By the 16th century Verdun had already earned a reputation as a resilient fortress, repeatedly besieged yet never fully subdued.

The book then turns to the strategic importance of Verdun’s natural defenses—a ring of hills and fortified citadel that made it a focal point in every major conflict. Detailed accounts of the 1792 and 1870 sieges set the stage for the unprecedented carnage of the First World War, showing how centuries of military experience informed both French and German tactics. Readers are guided through the early months of the 1914‑1918 struggle, discovering the human stories behind the artillery bombardments and the city’s desperate effort to hold its ground.