A city in northeastern France, site of one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I. The name has become synonymous with prolonged, costly military campaigns.
From Latin 'Verodunum,' meaning 'high fort' (vero- meaning high, -dunum meaning fortified place). The Gallic settlement was strategically located on heights above the Meuse River, making it a natural fortress throughout history.
Verdun represents one of history's most tragic ironies - a place whose name meant 'high fort' became a symbol of humanity's descent into unprecedented carnage. The 1916 battle lasted 302 days and cost over 700,000 casualties, making the city's name synonymous with the futility of prolonged warfare.
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