Only the strongest war-lords became kings. A king could not remain peaceful. He had to fight and keep fighting to pay his supporters. When he was no longer able to win battles, his chances of staying alive were small.
King Offa was one of the strongest kings. He ruled Mercia (now called the Midlands) from 758 to 796, an extraordinarily long time. He had to have been a very powerful man and successful warrior.
