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Roman Mosaics Resurface After 200 Years
31 Jan
Summary
- Rare Roman mosaic fragments unearthed in 1811 are now displayed together.
- Depictions include Orpheus charming animals and a hunting scene with a boar.
- Fragments were stored for two centuries before their public reunion.
Fragments of a Roman mosaic, discovered near Withington in Gloucestershire in 1811, are being reunited for the first time in over two centuries. These rare pieces, which originally formed part of a Roman villa, had been in storage at the British Museum for many years.
Three specific fragments, now on display at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, feature a bear, a leopard, and a boar. These mosaics, dating back at least 1,800 years, are notable for their survival and intricate depictions, including a scene of a wild boar being chased by a hunting dog.
These Withington fragments will be exhibited alongside the Orpheus Mosaic, found 10 miles away in Cirencester. This marks a significant moment for public access to Roman art, as many such mosaics from Roman Britain remain lost or are rarely seen.
