Ancient Roman Mosaic Unearthed in Wroxeter, England!
Archaeologists have recently made an exciting discovery at Wroxeter Roman City in Shropshire, England, unearthing a remarkably well-preserved mosaic that dates back nearly 2,000 years.
A Window into Roman Britain
Wroxeter, known as Viroconium Cornoviorum during Roman times, was once the fourth-largest settlement in Roman Britain, rivaling even the size of Pompeii in Italy. Established in the 1st century CE, the city played a crucial role as a frontier post, protecting the River Severn valley during the Roman campaigns led by General Publius Ostorius Scapula.
Photo Credit: English Heritage
The Mosaic Discovery
The vibrant mosaic, featuring intricate depictions of dolphins and fish in striking colors—white, red, blue, and yellow—was uncovered during recent excavations. This project, led by English Heritage in partnership with the University of Birmingham, Vianova Archaeology & Heritage Services, and Albion Archaeology, took place in a high-status townhouse along Wroxeter’s main road. In addition to the mosaic, archaeologists also discovered a large civic building and a shrine or mausoleum nearby.
Win Scutt, a senior properties curator at English Heritage, expressed his amazement at the find: “We were hoping to discover the walls of this building, but never did we expect to uncover such a beautiful and intact mosaic, hidden for thousands of years. Uncovering a piece of history like this is always a breathtaking moment.”
The Significance of the Mosaic
Dating back to the early 2nd century CE, this mosaic was likely commissioned by a wealthy and influential figure of the time. Roger White, an archaeologist from the University of Birmingham, highlighted the rarity of such a find: “The survival of a multi-colored mosaic and substantial frescoed walls from the city’s early years is extraordinary. The mosaic’s remarkable condition is a testament to the taste and style of the era.”
This discovery is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 1859 that such a find has been made at Wroxeter. The mosaic’s elaborate design and use of six different colors suggest that the stones were imported, indicating that the patron who commissioned it had a keen eye for contemporary trends. White further noted, “Finding both a mosaic and its associated wall plaster intact is extremely rare, and nothing like this has ever been uncovered at Wroxeter before.”
Photo Credit: English Heritage
Preserving the Past
The mosaic's exceptional preservation is due to the fact that the room where it was found was filled with building debris in the 3rd or 4th century, effectively sealing it off from the elements. This fortunate circumstance allowed archaeologists to reveal the mosaic without disturbing other historical layers at the site.
In addition to the mosaic, the excavation yielded other valuable artifacts, including coins and pottery, which will help archaeologists date the various phases of the city's development and better understand the activities that took place there.
Although much of Wroxeter remains unexcavated, these findings have provided new insights into the history of this once-thriving Roman city, which included a civic bathhouse, marketplace, county hall, judicial centre, and over 200 houses. For now, the excavation area has been reburied to ensure its protection and preservation.
Scutt emphasized the unique preservation of Wroxeter, stating, “Its rural location has protected it from modern development, giving us an incredible level of preservation in the middle of a Roman city—a level of preservation that is rare to find anywhere else in the country. Wroxeter was special even before the mosaic was discovered.”
This discovery not only adds a new chapter to the story of Wroxeter but also offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and culture of Roman Britain.