During his long reign , Mercia became the dominant kingdom of the Anglo - Saxons .
During his long reign , Mercia recovered the position of pre-eminence it had enjoyed during the seventh century under the strong Mercian kings Penda and Wulfhere .
During his long reign , Mercia became the dominant kingdom of the Anglo - Saxons , and recovered the position of pre-eminence it had enjoyed during the seventh century under the strong Mercian kings Penda and Wulfhere .