Rutland Mosaic, Roman history in UK

[Astronuc]

Extraordinary Roman mosaic and villa discovered beneath farmer's field in Rutland, UK​

https://phys.org/news/2021-11-extraordinary-roman-mosaic-villa-beneath.html

The same institution that discovered the remains of King Richard III under a parking lot.

Archaeologists have unearthed the first Roman mosaic of its kind in the UK. Today (Thursday 25th November 2021), a rare Roman mosaic and surrounding villa complex have been protected as a Scheduled Monument by DCMS on the advice of Historic England. The decision follows archaeological work undertaken by a team from University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), working in partnership with Historic England and in liaison with Rutland County Council.

The initial discovery of the mosaic was made during the 2020 lockdown by Jim Irvine, son of landowner Brian Naylor, who contacted the archaeological team at Leicestershire County Council, heritage advisors to the local authority. Given the exceptional nature of this discovery, Historic England was able to secure funding for urgent archaeological investigations of the site by ULAS in August 2020. Further excavation involving staff and students from the University of Leicester's School of Archaeology and Ancient History examined more of the site in September 2021. The remains of the mosaic measure 11m by almost 7m and depict part of the story of the Greek hero Achilles.

. . .

The room is part of a large villa building occupied in the late Roman period, between the 3rd and 4th century AD. The villa is also surrounded by a range of other buildings and features revealed by a geophysical survey and archaeological evaluation, including what appear to be aisled barns, circular structures and a possible bath house, all within a series of boundary ditches. The complex is likely to have been occupied by a wealthy individual, with a knowledge of classical literature.

Anyone who watches "Time Team" can appreciate this finding.

https://le.ac.uk/ulas
https://archaeologydataservice.ac.u...y of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS)
https://ulasnews.com/2015/03/09/timelapse-offers-unique-insight-into-richard-iii-burial-site-dig/

 

[vacuum]

Thank you for sharing this exciting news about the discovery of a Roman mosaic and villa in Rutland, UK. I am always fascinated by the uncovering of historical artifacts and sites, and this discovery is truly extraordinary.

The fact that this mosaic is the first of its kind in the UK is a testament to its rarity and importance. I am glad to hear that Historic England was able to secure funding for the urgent archaeological investigations of the site, and that the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) and the School of Archaeology and Ancient History were involved in the excavation.

It is also interesting to note the range of other buildings and features surrounding the villa, indicating the presence of a wealthy individual with a knowledge of classical literature. This adds another layer to the significance of this discovery.

I am familiar with the work of ULAS and their previous discovery of King Richard III's remains under a parking lot. It is truly remarkable how technology and archaeological methods have advanced, allowing us to uncover these hidden treasures beneath our feet.

Thank you for sharing the links to the ULAS website and the Archaeology Data Service, which provide more information about the ongoing excavation and findings. I am also a fan of the show "Time Team" and I agree that this discovery is something that would be of great interest to the show's viewers.

I look forward to following the progress of this excavation and learning more about the Roman mosaic and villa in Rutland. Thank you for sharing this fascinating news with the forum.