The term "East Franks" refers to the eastern portion of the Frankish Empire, which emerged after the division of the empire in the Treaty of Verdun in 843. This region primarily corresponds to modern-day Germany and was ruled by the Carolingian dynasty. The East Franks played a significant role in the development of medieval European politics and culture. The East Frankish Kingdom eventually evolved into the Holy Roman Empire under the leadership of figures like Otto I. This transformation marked a shift in power dynamics in Europe, as the East Franks sought to consolidate their influence and establish a strong centralized authority.