RUTLAND, ENGLAND—According to a statement released by the University of Leicester, a mosaic depicting scenes from the Iliad was found at a villa site dated to the late Roman period in England’s East Midlands. The landowner’s son spotted some pottery while on a walk last year and contacted local authorities. Measuring about 36 feet long by 23 feet wide, the three-paneled mosaic is located in what is thought to have been a large dining or entertainment area, and features Achilles and his battle with Hector at the conclusion of the Trojan War. John Thomas of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services said the mosaic must have been commissioned by a wealthy person with knowledge of classical literature. Surveys suggest the villa site, which is surrounded by boundary ditches, is complete and includes aisled barns, circular structures, and a possible bath house. Breaks in the mosaic, fire damage, and human remains in the rubble covering it suggest that the site was reused during the medieval period. To read about a fifth-century A.D. mosaic found at a Roman villa in Gloucestershire, go to “After the Fall.”
1,700-Year-Old Mosaic Uncovered in England’s East Midlands
News November 29, 2021
Recommended Articles
Digs & Discoveries May/June 2021
After the Fall
Digs & Discoveries March/April 2023
Early Medieval Elegance
Artifacts January/February 2022
Roman Key Handle
Digs & Discoveries November/December 2021
Identifying the Unidentified
-
Features September/October 2021
Secret Rites of Samothrace
Reimagining the experience of initiation into an ancient Greek mystery cult
(© American Excavations Samothrace) -
Features September/October 2021
Searching for the Fisher Kings
In the waters of southern Florida, the creative Calusa people forged a mighty empire
(Merald Clark) -
Letter From Scotland September/October 2021
Land of the Picts
New excavations reveal the truth behind the legend of these fearsome northern warriors
(Courtesy The Northern Picts Project) -
Artifacts September/October 2021
Late Medieval Ring
(© Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales)