The Treaty of Meerssen: December 31, 870

The Treaty of Meerssen, signed on December 31, 870, was a significant event in the history of the Carolingian Empire, marking another step in the fragmentation of Charlemagne’s once-unified realm. This treaty was an agreement between Louis the German and Charles the Bald, two grandsons of Charlemagne, to divide the territories of their deceased brother, Lothair II.

Historical Context

• Charlemagne’s Legacy: Charlemagne, who reigned from 768 to 814, had expanded the Frankish Empire to its zenith, covering much of Western and Central Europe. Upon his death, his empire was inherited by his son, Louis the Pious, and subsequently divided among his grandsons through the Treaty of Verdun in 843.

• The Treaty of Verdun: This earlier treaty split the empire into three parts: West Francia (Charles the Bald), East Francia (Louis the German), and Middle Francia (Lothair I). Lothair I’s realm included the imperial title and a strip of land stretching from the North Sea to Italy.

• The Death of Lothair II: Lothair II, the son of Lothair I, ruled over Lotharingia, a central region that included parts of modern-day France, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. His death in 869 without legitimate heirs prompted a dispute over his territories.

The Treaty of Meerssen

• Negotiations and Division: The Treaty of Meerssen was negotiated to resolve the territorial disputes following Lothair II’s death. Louis the German and Charles the Bald agreed to divide Lotharingia between themselves, further fragmenting the Carolingian Empire.

• Territorial Adjustments: The treaty resulted in a reallocation of lands, with Louis the German gaining control over the eastern parts of Lotharingia, while Charles the Bald took the western regions. This division was emblematic of the ongoing decentralization and weakening of central authority within the empire.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

• Fragmentation of Power: The Treaty of Meerssen exemplified the trend of fragmentation that characterized the late Carolingian period. It set a precedent for the further division of territories among heirs, contributing to the eventual emergence of distinct European states.

• Impact on European Development: The division of the Carolingian Empire laid the groundwork for the development of modern European nations. The territories divided by the treaty would evolve into parts of France, Germany, and the Low Countries.

• Legacy of the Carolingians: The treaty highlighted the challenges of maintaining a large, unified empire in the face of internal divisions and external pressures. The Carolingian legacy would continue to influence European political structures and cultural development for centuries.

In summary, the Treaty of Meerssen was a pivotal moment in the disintegration of the Carolingian Empire, illustrating the complexities of medieval European politics and the gradual shift towards the formation of nation-states.