The re-rise of MerciaMercia’s role in the early history of England has

proved to be big even after Penda’s defeat.By the year 716 a. D. a nephew of Penda,

Ethelbald, became its King, thus beginning a new era of political expansion.

One main difference between Penda and his nephew was the religion each professed.

Beda, referred to him as “The King of England below Northumbria” which was, nevertheless, sort of inaccurate, because he was not able to conquer Wessex. This situation led later to his murder by the hands of his own court members.

The re-rise of MerciaEthelbald was succeeded by Offa who was able to

bend Wessex, acquiring control over it in 777.The conquer was as well by means of marriage,

forcing Wessex’s king to marry one of his daughters. The other daughter married the king of Northumbria which left Mercia with full control over the Heptarchy.

He became so renowned in the continent that Carolus Magnus (Charlemagne) treated him as his equal, even accepting suggestions from Offa to pressure the pope (Adrian) at the moment of relocating the main English abbey from Canterbury to Lichfield. The Pope ended-up fulfilling Offa’s wish.

Offa issued a national coin which became famous due to its beauty.

The Vikings and the fall of MerciaMercia’s hegemony lasted 42 years but came

to an end due to a Scandinavian ethnic group coming from Sweden: the Dens.

The Dens together with the Norwegians and the Swedes formed the Scandinavian peoples.

In the harsh circumstances in which they lived, they survived by means of two activities: Fishing, and inner wars.

By the 8th Century, the Dens, defeated by the other two and used to navigate, combat and conquer had a new and better idea: Plundering which became a Scandinavia tradition.

The Vikings and the fall of MerciaOther communities began to name them “Nordics”, they

called themselves Vikings (which in the Scandinavian languages mean “Warriors”).

Fighting and dying in battle was for them a honor.Near the 9th Century, Vikings landed in Kent and terrorized

it. They later would charge tribute to the British shore peoples in order not to invade them.

They surrounded England and were able to conquer and annihilate the incipient Irish peoples, bringing the disappearing of the Celtic culture close to 90%.

They were never able, though, to conquer Scotland thanks to the union of the Picts and Scotts who accepted the guidance of a unified king: Kenneth McAlpin who became Kenneth I. Something that could not happen in England, evenmore after Offas death. This brought the fall of Mercia which couldn’t find another charismatic successor.