History Profiles episodes
Offa of Mercia: The Unofficial First King of England

Offa of Mercia: The Unofficial First King of England

King Offa of Mercia stands as one of the most influential Anglo-Saxon rulers, often styled as the first King of the English. Despite the lack of firsthand accounts, his legacy is marked by significant undertakings such as Offa's Dyke, a monumental earthwork stretching from sea to sea. This immense construction demonstrates his expansive reach, wealth, and resources.


Although often overshadowed due to limited source material, Offa's story is pieced together through the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, albeit with biases that favor Wessex. Nevertheless, Offa's achievements rank him among the greatest rulers of his time, marking a pivotal era in medieval England.


Introduction
00:00 Introduction
01:37 Ancestry & Early Life
04:05 Offa's Rise to Power
08:47 Offa's Domination of Anglo-Saxon England
11:52 Offa's Dyke & Offa's Coins
15:10 The Threat of the Vikings & Offa's Foresight
16:56 Death & Legacy

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar
Video: [No Copyright Music] CHURCH MUSIC | G...