SOMERSET – Archaeologists in rural Somerset have announced a remarkable discovery: the remains of a previously unknown Roman villa, dating back to the 3rd or 4th century AD, buried just beneath the surface of a farmer’s field. The find, hailed as one of the most significant Roman discoveries in Britain in decades, includes exquisitely preserved mosaic floors and evidence of sophisticated underfloor heating systems.
The excavation began after a local farmer, Mr. John Davies, noticed unusual pottery fragments turning up in his ploughed field after heavy rains. He contacted the county’s archaeological service, which promptly dispatched a team from the University of Bristol to investigate. What they uncovered exceeded all expectations.
“We initially expected to find perhaps a small Roman farmstead,” explained Dr. Helen Mortimer, lead archaeologist on the project, during a press conference held at the site yesterday. “But as we peeled back the layers, it became clear we were looking at something far grander – a substantial villa, likely the centre of a wealthy agricultural estate.”
The most striking discovery is a series of intricate mosaic floors, depicting geometric patterns, mythical creatures, and what appears to be a hunting scene. These mosaics, largely undisturbed for over 1,600 years, offer a vibrant glimpse into the artistic tastes and daily life of the Roman elite who inhabited the villa. Conservators are now carefully cleaning and stabilizing the mosaics, revealing their stunning original colours.
Beyond the mosaics, the team has found evidence of hypocausts, the Roman system of underfloor heating, as well as remnants of bathhouses, suggesting a high standard of living for the villa’s occupants. Artefacts recovered include pottery, coins, fragments of finely crafted glassware, and even personal adornments, providing clues about the people who lived there.
“This site has the potential to rewrite some aspects of our understanding of Roman Britain, particularly in this region,” Dr. Mortimer continued. “The scale and opulence of the villa suggest a significant Roman presence and economic activity here, perhaps even a previously unrecorded local administrative centre.”
The discovery has generated immense excitement within the archaeological community and the local population. The landowner, Mr. Davies, has expressed his delight and commitment to ensuring the site’s protection and future study. “It’s quite something, isn’t it? To think what’s been under my feet all these years,” he chuckled. “I’ve always loved history, and now I’ve got a bit of it right here.”
Funding is now being sought for a more extensive excavation and the potential development of the site for public viewing, carefully balancing preservation with accessibility. For now, the focus remains on meticulously documenting and understanding this incredible window into Britain’s Roman past.
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