GabyRecently, specialists from the research organization Oxford Archaeology surveyed a construction site for a future Aldi supermarket in Olney, Buckinghamshire. Suddenly, they made an astonishing discovery. Beneath a layer of soil, the researchers found the ruins of a brick villa and baths belonging to affluent Romans. The villa consisted of two small rooms and one spacious room. The floor of the largest room was covered with a colorful mosaic, the publication reported. Daily Mail According to preliminary estimates, the find is over 1600 years old.
The researchers conducted these fieldworks at the request of the developer Angle Property. They were to prove that no valuable artifacts remained buried forever beneath the supermarket. However, the archaeologists did not rule out the possibility of discovering unknown antiquities related to the nearby ancient Roman settlement. Ultimately, they unearthed unexpected objects: walls and floors of a wealthy residence, as well as a classical Roman bath.
The Oxford Archaeology team, which continually surprises the scientific community with its discoveries, has recognized the ruins of structures and the mosaic as “archaeological finds of great significance.” Archaeologists noted that the mosaic made of red, white, and blue tiles stands out for its “vivid colors and intricate decorative patterns.”
As unfortunate as it is, most of the artifacts from this complex and settlement are hidden beneath the modern Warrington Road. Therefore, researchers currently do not have the opportunity to explore all the historical sites in this area.
After consultations with expert colleagues, Oxford Archaeology specialists and developers decided to preserve the villa with the mosaic to keep it intact and undamaged. Meanwhile, the supermarket builders will avoid the valuable find.
John Boutroid, the senior manager of the archaeological project, summarized: “We hoped to see some notable ancient Roman artifacts here, but the discovery of this fantastic mosaic exceeded our expectations.”
It is worth noting that part of modern British territory was under the rule of the Roman Empire from 43 to 410 AD. The regions of England, Wales, and Scotland that were conquered for centuries became known in history as Roman Britain.
OxfordArchaeologyone of the largestin Europeindependent organizations in the field of archaeological practices, conductstoclexcavations since 1973. Hundreds of specialists are engaged in the search for unique artifacts not only inGreatBritain, butand to the Courtin Qatar, China, Central Asia, and the Caribbean.
