A mosaic discovered by a team of archaeologists in England. Researchers say it shows Hector’s body returning to his father, King Priam (right), in exchange for a weight in gold.
University of Leicester Archaeological Service
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University of Leicester Archaeological Service
A mosaic discovered by a team of archaeologists in England. Researchers say it shows Hector’s body returning to his father, King Priam (right), in exchange for a weight in gold.
University of Leicester Archaeological Service
Successes continue to come for an elite group of British archaeologists.
They first unearthed the remains of King Richard III. The body of the last English king killed in battle – in 1485 – was found by members of the University of Leicester Archaeological Service underneath a car park in 2012, more than 500 years later. (When it happens, you can hear their enthusiasm for discovery on a 12-part podcast series.)
And just this Thursday, ULAS announced it unearthed an important Roman mosaic in the East Midlands depicts the legendary hero Achilles battling Hector in the final days of the Trojan War.
“This is without a doubt the most exciting Roman mosaic discovery in the UK in the last century,” said the ULAS project director. John Thomas, who oversees excavations, in a release from the university.
Rutland Villa Project. A team from ULAS/University of Leicester during excavation of a mosaic pavement.
Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
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Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
Rutland Villa Project. A team from ULAS/University of Leicester during excavation of a mosaic pavement.
Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
The mosaic is believed to date from the late Roman Empire, around 250-450 BC, and is part of a massive villa complex buried beneath a farmer’s field.
Measuring 36 feet by nearly 22 feet, it’s about the size of three bowling lanes and was first discovered by the landowner’s son during the pandemic in 2020. After the family contacted the archeology team at Leicestershire County Council, the site was excavated by ULAS with the help of the heritage conservation team Historical England and contact Rutland County Council. (ULAS is described as a commercial unit affiliated with the University of Leicester.)
According to the researchers, the mosaic covers the floor of what is likely a large dining or entertainment area. It is one of the few examples of similar artworks from across Europe that focus on the subject. The mosaic may just be the first significant treasure the site has to offer, which Thomas describes as “very well preserved.”
Rutland Villa Project. David Neal makes notes on his illustration during excavation of the mosaic.
Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
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Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
Rutland Villa Project. David Neal makes notes on his illustration during excavation of the mosaic.
Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
Rutland Villa Project. A member of the team from ULAS/University of Leicester during the excavation of the mosaic pavement.
Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
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Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
Rutland Villa Project. A member of the team from ULAS/University of Leicester during excavation of mosaic pavement.
Steven Baker / British Historical Archives
