The Battle of Verdun was the longest single battle during the First World War and one of the bloodiest in human history. Fought between the German and French armies from February to December 1916, this brutal battle of attrition claimed one million casualties, with 300,000 killed. If you want to understand what happened and why - read Battle Story. Detailed profiles explore the personalities of the French and German leaders, and of the average fighting soldier Contemporary sources reveal the true horrors of the battle, in which 70% of casualties were caused by artillery Detailed maps examine the location of the French fortresses and the changing frontlines of the region Photographs place you at the forefront of the unfolding action Orders of battle show the composition of the opposing forces` armies Packed with fact boxes, this short introduction is the perfect way to explore this crucial battle.