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Rare Ancient Roman Dolphin Mosaic Found in England
The 2nd-century dolphin mosaic. Photo by Paul Belford. Source: Heritage Innovation/PA Wire.
Archaeologists uncovered an “extremely rare” dolphin mosaic at Wroxeter Roman City in England. The aquatic floor scene is in remarkably good condition and was likely commissioned by a high-status citizen of the ancient city, which was among the largest in Roman Britain.
“Strikingly Colorful” Mosaic Is 2,000 Years Old
An archaeologist at Wroxeter Roman City. Source: English Heritage/PA Wire.
Wroxeter Roman City’s well-preserved aquatic mosaic was found in a high-status townhouse dating back 2,000 years. It would have been commissioned by an especially wealthy and important citizen. Parts of the lower sections of the townhouse were also found well-preserved, with some original painted plaster still intact—an “extremely rare survival,” according to English Heritage. The mosaic’s unusual condition is due to building renovations in the third or fourth century, during which the room was filled with debris to raise up the interior of the townhouse.
In a press statement, English Heritage said, “The mosaic depicts strikingly colorful dolphins and fish. Its style dates to the second century, soon after the city was established to replace a legionary fortress.” Along with other new findings, archaeologists said the mosaic will help them better understand the ancient city’s layout, as well as the wealth and activities of its residents throughout the ages.
Excavations at Wroxeter Roman City
Archaeologists cleaning the ancient dolphin mosaic. Source: Vianova Archaeology/PA Wire.
English Heritage, the University of Birmingham, Vianova Archaeology & Heritage Services, and Albion Archaeology collaborated on this year’s excavations at the Wroxeter Roman City site. In addition to the well-preserved dolphin mosaic, the team recently uncovered the ruins of a civic building and a shrine. The building, measuring about 26 feet wide and 130 feet long, was built along the city’s main road. Buttresses on the civic building’s rear wall suggest it once stood several stories tall. The shrine, comparatively small and built from stone, was originally covered with eye-catching painted plaster.
What is Wroxeter Roman City?
Aerial view of Wroxeter Roman City in Shrewsbury, England. Source: English Heritage.
Wroxeter Roman City was historically known as Viriconium Cornoviorum. Established in the 90s CE as a legionary fortress, it once boasted many temples and public buildings, including a civic bathhouse, marketplace, county hall, judicial center, and colonnaded forum. At its prime, Viriconium Cornoviorum was the fourth largest settlement in Roman Britain, with a population of over 15,000 spread across 173 acres. Its location was strategically chosen to help protect the River Severn valley from Cambria (modern-day Wales) and for its proximity to Watling Street, a major Roman highway.
The settlement of Viriconium Cornoviorum likely lasted until the late seventh or early eighth century. Today, English Heritage cares for Wroxeter Roman City, along with 400 other historic buildings, monuments, and sites across the country. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins of an ancient Roman bathhouse, a museum, and a reconstructed residential building.
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