This week the Cambridge professor Rory Naismith takes us back to the eighth century to glimpse what we can of Offa King of the Mercians. Offa was a mighty figure in this early moment in the history of Britain and he is remembered chiefly for the extraordinary earthwork – Offa's Dyke. But what more can be said about Offa's life? In this episode Naismith explains that he was a ruler of considerable gifts whose reputation stretched far beyond his considerable kingdom. He corresponded with Charlemagne and was connected with the Islamic World and, when he died, he left a great void behind. The scenes, characters and storylines in this episode of Travels Through Time all feature in Rory Naismith's book, Offa: King of the Mercians. Read more about Offa at Unseen Histories. Show Notes Scene One: Offa of Mercia receives a letter from Charlemagne that is one of the first diplomatic exchanges between two Medieval monarchs. Scene Two: 29 July. Offa’s dies. Scene Three: December 796. Offa’s son and heir Ecgfrith dies unexpectedly. Memento: Offa’s side of the correspondence with Charlemagne People/Social Presenter: Peter Moore  Guest: Rory Naismith Producers: Maria Nolan Theme music: Firelight by Minka