Gone Medieval Rise of Mercia
Apr 11, 2024
Annie Whitehead, author of Mercia: The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom, joins to discuss the powerful rulers of Mercia, including Penda and Offa, and their triumphs and defeats. The episode explores Mercia's trade relations with Charlemagne and the mysterious Dyke construction. Uncover the complexities of Mercian politics, culture, and its resistance against Viking invasions, challenging the narrative of Wessex's superiority.
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Oswald's Death
- Bede recounts Penda displaying Oswald's head and hands on stakes after defeating him in battle.
- This gruesome act may have been a pagan ritual offering to the god of war.
Mercia's Dominance
- Mercia held significant power in Anglo-Saxon Britain, controlling territory including London.
- This dominance lasted for three centuries, shaping early English politics.
Mercia's Location
- Mercia encompassed the Midlands, extending south of the Humber and sometimes including London.
- Its borders remained fluid throughout the Anglo-Saxon period.