In July 2009, the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold was found in a field in Staffordshire (once part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia). This find is not only significant because of its size (there are over 3500 pieces), but also because of its implications for our historical understanding of Mercia. Previously, it was widely-accepted among historians that Mercia lacked any significant political power compared to other English kingdoms, like Wessex. This find, however, contradicts this view and suggests the reverse is true: the Mercians possessed vast amounts of wealth and traded with merchants across the world.
Additionally, the discovery of this treasure also validates the world portrayed in the epic poem Beowulf. As the curator Gareth Williams has argued, this discovery suggests the poem may be inspired by Mercian warriors, who were evidently some of the wealthiest and most prestigious in England. (See the two reference links provided.)
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