The term "Mercian" refers to anything related to the ancient kingdom of Mercia, which was one of the seven main kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England. Mercia existed from the 6th to the 9th century and was known for its powerful kings and significant influence over surrounding regions. The kingdom's capital was Tamworth, and it played a crucial role in the unification of England. Mercian culture was characterized by its unique art, language, and social structure. The people spoke a dialect of Old English known as Mercian, which contributed to the development of the English language. Mercia was also notable for its monasteries, such as Lichfield and Worcester, which were centers of learning and religious life during the early medieval period.