What is reino de mercia?

Reino de Mercia was one of the most powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of medieval England. The kingdom dominated central England during the 7th and 8th centuries and was founded by the Saxon leader Icel, who established it as a sub-kingdom of Bernicia. The kingdom's name Mercia is believed to derive from the Old English word "Myrce," which means people of the border.

The kingdom was home to several key cities, including Tamworth, Lichfield, and Derby, which were crucial to its economic and political power. Mercia's military strength was also formidable and enabled the kingdom to successfully defend itself against external threats, including Viking invasions. During its peak, the kingdom covered much of what is now England's Midlands region and parts of Wales.

The most famous ruler of Mercia was King Offa, who reigned from 757 to 796. Offa is best known for constructing a massive 80-mile-long earthwork, known as Offa's Dyke, which marked the boundary between Mercia and the neighboring kingdom of Wales. Offa also implemented several major reforms, including introducing a standardized coinage system and establishing strong diplomatic ties with the Carolingian Empire.

Ultimately, Mercia's influence waned after the arrival of the Danes in the 9th century, and the kingdom was absorbed into the emerging kingdom of England under King Alfred the Great. Despite its eventual decline, Mercia remained an important part of England's historical and cultural legacy and played a critical role in shaping the country's early history.