Verdun -

: The battle was a "war of materiel," featuring over 1,200 German guns and hundreds of French field guns. Key Sites to Visit

A subterranean complex where visitors can take a guided tour to see how thousands of soldiers lived and worked during the battle.

A memorial containing the remains of over 130,000 unidentified French and German soldiers. Verdun Memorial OpenFleury-devant-Douaumont, France verdun

The largest and highest fort in the ring around Verdun, it was modernized before the war with steel-reinforced concrete up to 8 feet thick. Douaumont Ossuary Historical landmark OpenDouaumont-Vaux, France

If you are developing a travel itinerary or researching the area, these locations are essential: Fort Douaumont OpenDouaumont-Vaux, France : The battle was a "war of materiel,"

: Despite the name's meaning ("green knoll"), the area became a landscape of "senseless carnage," defined by grueling trench warfare, rats, lice, and constant artillery fire.

Verdun 1916: Steel Inferno by Walter Vejdovsky - Stuart Gorman It lasted nearly ten months, from February to December 1916

: The battle was planned by German Chief of Staff Erich von Falkenhayn with the intent to "bleed France white". It lasted nearly ten months, from February to December 1916.