2,000-Year-Old Ancient Roman Mosaic of Dolphins and Fish Found in Northwestern England

Archaeologists in northwestern England unearthed a beautifully decorated mosaic believed to date back nearly 2,000 years.

According to Art News, the mosaic features stylized dolphins and fishes and was found in a Roman-era home.

The excavation team, comprising members from Vianova Archaeology & Heritage Services, the University of Birmingham, and Albion Archaeology, has been diligently working on this site. The project was led by Dr. Peter Guest from Vianova Archaeology, Dr. Roger White from the University of Birmingham, and Mike Luke from Albion Archaeology.

Ancient Roman Finds

The mosaic was uncovered as part of an extensive excavation at the Roman city of Wroxeter, a site that has been dormant in terms of major discoveries for 165 years. The mosaic was located in a home that likely belonged to a wealthy family and the artwork survived because the house was remodeled in the 3rd or 4th century, which covered the mosaic with debris.

Along with the mosaic, the dig revealed other important structures, like a possible shrine or tomb, a big public building, and pieces of pottery.

Per CNN, finding the mosaic and other structures gives important clues about how Wroxeter was arranged and its importance as a Roman city in Britain. The newly discovered public building, which is 26 feet wide and over 164 feet long, was on the city's main street near the forum-basilica. This shows how big and important public spaces were in Roman cities.

"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," Senior properties curator at English Heritage, Winn Scutt told CNN.