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

Date:
November 30, 2021
Source:
University of Leicester
Summary:
Archaeologists have unearthed the first Roman mosaic of its kind
in the UK.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== 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 artwork forms the floor of what's thought to be a large dining or entertaining area. Mosaics were used in a variety of private and public buildings across the Roman Empire, and often featured famous figures
from history and mythology. However, the Rutland mosaic is unique in
the UK in that it features Achilles and his battle with Hector at the conclusion of the Trojan War and is one of only a handful of examples
from across Europe.

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.

Fire damage and breaks in the mosaic suggest that the site was later
re-used and re-purposed. Other evidence uncovered includes the discovery
of human remains within the rubble covering the mosaic. These burials are thought to have been interred after the building was no longer occupied,
and while their precise age is currently unknown, they are later than the mosaic but placed in a relationship to the villa building, suggesting
a very late Roman or Early- Medieval date for the repurposing of this structure. Their discovery gives an insight into how the site may have
been used during this relatively poorly understood early post-Roman
period of history.

Evidence recovered from the site will be analysed by ULAS at their
University of Leicester base, and by specialists from Historic England
and across the UK, including David Neal, the foremost expert on mosaic
research in the country.



==========================================================================
The protection as a scheduled monument recognises the exceptional national importance of this site. It ensures these remains are legally protected
and helps combat unauthorised works or unlawful activities such as illegal metal detecting. The site has been thoroughly examined and recorded as
part of the recent investigations and has now been backfilled to protect
it for future generations.

The villa complex was found within an arable field where the shallow archaeological remains had been disturbed by ploughing and other
activities.

Historic England is working with the landowner to support the reversion
of these fields to a sustainable grassland and pasture use. These types
of agri- environment schemes are an essential part of how we can protect
both the historic and natural environments and have contributed around
-L-13 million per year towards the conservation and maintenance of our
rural heritage. They help to preserve sites like the Rutland mosaic so
that people can continue to enjoy and learn about our fascinating history.

In collaboration with the University of Leicester and other stakeholders, Historic England is planning further excavations on the site for 2022.

Discussions are on-going with Rutland County Council to explore the
opportunity for an off-site display and interpretation of the villa
complex and its finds.

The form and scope of this work will be informed by the proposed future excavations and will be the subject of a future National Lottery Heritage
Fund bid.

The site is on private land and not accessible to the public.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: "To have
uncovered such a rare mosaic of this size, as well as a surrounding villa,
is remarkable.

Discoveries like this are so important in helping us piece together our
shared history. By protecting this site we are able to continue learning
from it, and look forward to what future excavations may teach us about
the people who lived there over 1,500 years ago." Video of the story
of the Rutland mosaic: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QtHx__NkMnw&t=3s ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Leicester. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


==========================================================================


Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211130121655.htm

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