Mosaic maximus! Unearthed in Berkshire, the ‘most exciting discovery in 50 years’
A SPECTACULAr roman mosaic described as the most exciting find in decades has been dug up in a field in Berkshire.
The richly decorated piece, which dates back more than 1,600 years, shows scenes from Greek mythology.
The gods were clearly smiling on the excavation team – which included more than 50 volunteers on a local community project – as the dig had just two weeks left to run.
The well-reserved mosaic, dating from around 380AD, is thought to be around ten metres long in total. It was only partially excavated, which revealed mythological figures including one thought to be Hercules fighting a centaur and Cupid, the winged god of desire. Experts say a central square panel shows the hero Bellerophon, riding the winged horse Pegasus, slaying the Chimera, a fire-breathing monster, and being offered the king’s daughter as a reward.
Anthony Beeson, an expert on classical art and a member of the Association for the Study and Preservation of roman Mosaics, said it was ‘without question the most exciting mosaic discovery made in Britain in the last fifty years’.
Artist Luigi Thompson called it ‘the most delightful, lively and charming pavement I have ever seen’.
The mosaic was discovered in farmland near the village of Boxford, where for the last three summers Cotswold Archaeology and the Boxford Heritage Project have organised digs involving experts and volunteers, backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Cotswold Archaeology’s chief executive neil Holbrook said: ‘This is one of the best fourthcentury roman mosaics ever found in the country ... This is a site of national importance.’
A six-metre strip was dug up but has been re-buried to protect it from the elements. The volunteers say they hope to raise funds to return next year.