The Treaty of Verdun was signed in 843 AD and marked the division of the Carolingian Empire, which had been established by Charlemagne. The treaty was a result of a power struggle among his grandsons, leading to the fragmentation of the empire into three separate kingdoms. The three kingdoms created by the treaty were West Francia, East Francia, and Middle Francia. This division laid the groundwork for the future political landscape of Europe, influencing the development of modern nations such as France and Germany. The treaty is often seen as a significant moment in the history of European unity and division.