Largest Roman Mosaic Floor With Flowers, Geometric Patterns Existing for More Than 50 Years, Unearthed Near The Shard

Archaeologists have unearthed a stunning Roman mosaic that features colorful flowers and geometrical figures that is said to be a part of a Roman dining room in a Roman mansio, or an upmarket motel that offers accommodation, dining, stabling, and facilities for state couriers and traveling officials. The mosaic is said to be found near The Shard, a 72-story building in modern London, MailOnline reported.

The team from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) made this once-in-a-lifetime discovery during excavations before the construction of a new cultural quarter. Experts are making a 3D model of the Roman mosaic showcase its remarkable intricate details.

Largest Roman Mosaic Discovery in London for 50 Years

The recently discovered Roman mosaic is the largest one found in London for more than half a century measuring about 26 feet (8 meters) long, The Guardian reported. The mosaic dates back to the 2nd century to the early 3rd century AD. Archaeologists discovered it over a month ago at a construction site near London Bridge.

It can be seen that its main panel features large, colorful flowers that are surrounded by bands that incorporate a twisted rode design and are set within a red tessellated floor. Geometric elements and lotus flowers are also present in the main mosaic and a small nearby panel.

The team of MOLA archaeologists have been working at the site since last June and believed that the mosaic was part of the room called triclinium, which contains the dining couches where people would recline to eat and drink while also admiring the beautiful art of the mosaic flooring as well as the richly decorated walls.

The Intricate Art of A Once-in-A-Lifetime Discovery

Roman mosaic expert David Neal has attributed the design of the larger panel to a group of artists or mosaicists called the Acanthus group. He said that the group developed a unique style in making Roman mosaics such as the recently unearthed one.

According to The Art Newspaper, the smaller panel of Roman mosaic resembles closes to another mosaic discovered in Trier, Germany. That could mean that London artisans have traveled abroad to make the same style mosaics.

Furthermore, the newly discovered Roman mosaic panels are made from small, colored tiles that are formed into intertwined strands that surround the flowers and geometrical patterns. MOLA archaeologists also discovered traces of Roman residence that included lavishly painted walls, terrazzo-style and mosaic floors, coins, jewelry, and decorated bone hairpins.

The team believes that the mosaic would have been featured on the floor of a Roman mansio in the boundaries of what would have been the Roman Londinium to house traveling Roman officials.

Like previously unearthed historical Roman mosaics, the one found in London will be lifted later this year to be preserved and conserved. MOLA archaeologists are in talks with the Southwark Council as they hope that this piece of art will be publicly displayed someday.

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