Incredible Roman Mosaic Uncovered In Rutland Farmer’s Field

Roman Mosaic of the epic battle between Achilles Hector. — *The Mosaic portrays the epic battle between Achilles and the Trojan hero, Hector. (Photo: Historic England) – Incredible Roman Mosaic*

Discovering a Hidden Roman Treasure

A rare Roman villa, featuring an exquisite mosaic, has been unearthed in Rutland, East Midlands. This mosaic is believed to date back to the late Roman period between the 3rd and 4th Century AD.

A Unique Mosaic Depicting Homer’s Iliad

The mosaic showcases a scene from Homer’s *Iliad*, depicting the duel between Achilles and Hector. It is the first known mosaic of this kind in the UK and one of only a few across Europe.

An Accidental Discovery During Lockdown

Jim Irvine and his father, Brian Naylor, stumbled upon the site in 2020. What began as a casual family walk quickly turned into an incredible find. Jim identified unusual pottery fragments and crop marks via satellite imagery. This led him to contact Leicestershire County Council for further investigation.

Jim Irvine and Brian Naylor discover roman mosaic — Jim Irvine and Brian Naylor during the initial discovery. (Photo: Historic England)

Archaeological Excavation

The excavation, led by Historic England and the University of Leicester Archaeological Services, revealed a villa surrounded by other structures and a possible bathhouse. The mosaic, measuring 11m by 7m, is believed to have been part of a dining or entertaining area – Incredible Roman Mosaic

Human Remains and the History of the Villa

Human remains were found buried within the villa’s rubble. It is thought they were interred after the villa was abandoned. Archaeologists believe the villa belonged to a wealthy Roman with a deep appreciation for classical art.

aerial view of the rutland mosaic excavation site — *An aerial view of the excavation site*. *(Photo: Historic England)*

A Legacy Preserved for Future Generations

The Rutland mosaic is hailed as one of the most significant Roman finds in the UK. The site has been backfilled to protect it for future study and will be featured in *Digging for Britain* on BBC Two – Incredible Roman Mosaic

Mosaic Tiles: A Timeless Treasure

The durability and elegance of mosaic tiles are on full display in this remarkable find. For over 1,500 years, these tiles have endured, showcasing their timeless appeal. Interested in adding mosaic charm to your home? Explore our stunning collection of quality mosaic tiles today!