Archaeologists uncover 2,000-year-old Roman mosaic in one of Britain's best-preserved sites
The mosaic featured dolphins and fish in bright colours
PA
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare mosaic at one of the most-preserved sites in Britain dating back to 2,000 years ago.
The mosaic featured dolphins and fish in bright colours and has been uncovered at a Roman site located in Shropshire.
Excavators believe that the mosaic would have been commissioned by a person of great wealth and importance.
Experts say that the discovery of the mosaic at the old Roman city of Viriconium, amongst other small discoveries, have helped date certain phases of the city.
The mosaic featured dolphins and fish in bright coloursPAViriconium, now known as Wroxeter, was an established city from the end of the first century and became the fourth largest city in Roman Britain.
Before the excavation Win Scutt, senior properties curator at English Heritage, said that they never expected to find a mosaic so "beautiful and intact".
He added: “Although much of Wroxeter is unexcavated, geophysical surveys have helped us understand the layout of the city and we were aware that to the north of the forum there was another large civic building, almost certainly the main civic temple, buried underground.
“Our excavations were in hope of discovering the walls of this building, but we never suspected we would find a beautiful and intact mosaic, which had lain hidden for thousands of years.
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The discovery was made at the old Roman city of Viriconium
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“This discovery, alongside a large number of small finds such as coins and pottery, will go a long way in helping us to date the various phases of the city and indicate the kinds of activities that were taking place.
“It’s always an astonishing moment when you uncover a fragment of beauty hiding just below the ground.”
The discovery also uncovered a monumental building based on what would have been the main road of the city.
Adding to this, a shrine has also been found which may have possibly honoured an important individual in the earlier periods of Viriconium.
Since the excavation, English Heritage said that the area has been reburied to protect and preserve the site
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A small number of ruined buildings are all that remain of the lost city above the ground, this is cared for by the English heritage.
Since the excavation, English Heritage said that the area has been reburied to protect and preserve the site.
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