Ludwig the German was a king of the East Franks, ruling from 843 until his death in 876. He was the son of Louis the Pious and a grandson of Charlemagne. Ludwig played a significant role in the division of the Carolingian Empire, which was formalized in the Treaty of Verdun in 843, leading to the establishment of distinct territories. As a ruler, Ludwig focused on consolidating his power and managing the challenges posed by local nobles and external threats. His reign contributed to the development of the Germanic territories, laying the groundwork for the future Holy Roman Empire.