Louis the German

Louis the German allied with Charles the Bald to defeat their brother Lothair I at the Battle of Fontenoy. This battle was a decisive conflict in the Carolingian civil war that followed the death of Louis the Pious. The victory led to the Treaty of Verdun.

Louis the German and Charles the Bald swore mutual allegiance against Lothair I at Strasbourg. The oaths were recorded in both Old High German and Old French, providing early evidence of the linguistic divergence between German and French. This alliance solidified their partnership.

Louis the German, along with his brothers Lothair I and Charles the Bald, signed the Treaty of Verdun, dividing the Carolingian Empire into three kingdoms. Louis received East Francia, comprising roughly modern Germany, laying the foundation for a distinct German kingdom.

Louis the German led multiple campaigns against Slavic tribes along his eastern borders, including the Obotrites, Sorbs, and Bohemians. These campaigns expanded East Frankish influence and secured the frontier, but faced mixed success and frequent rebellions.

Louis the German died on August 28, 876, at Frankfurt. His kingdom of East Francia was divided among his three sons: Carloman, Louis the Younger, and Charles the Fat. His death led to further fragmentation of the Carolingian realm.