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On the way out of the theater, as James Brown’s “Get Up Offa That Thing” played over the end credits, I remembered what it was like seeing the movie for the first time when I was a kid.

The findings give new context to Charlemagne's delicate diplomatic relations with King Offa of Mercia in England.

Like Charlemagne, Offa took an active role in the silver trade and currency management.

In a surviving letter sent to Offa in 796, Charlemagne discussed trade in commodities as well as political exiles.

Naismith said: "There was a lot of communication and tension between Charlemagne and Offa. Offa wasn't in the same league, his kingdom was much smaller, he had less power over it, and he certainly didn't have as much silver. But he remained one of Europe's most powerful figures who was outside of Charlemagne's control. So they maintained a pretence of equality. Our findings add to a dynamic that England and France have had for a very long time."