Stunning Colorful Ancient Roman Mosaic With Found Under Aldi Supermarket Site In UK
Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com - Traces of ancient Roman presence can be found all over the UK. While preparing a site for constructing a new Aldi supermarket in Olney, a market town in Buckinghamshire, UK, Oxford archaeologists found the remains of a Roman villa and bath house under the land. In addition to this, the science team uncovered a stunning colorful ancient Roman mosaic.
The discovery of the Roman villa with a "vibrant" mosaic is of "high significance," scientists say. Credit: Oxford Archaeology
Scientists have described the mosaic brickwork as "archaeological remains of high significance." Archaeologists said the mosaic featured "vibrant colours and intricate decorative patterns" made up of red, white and blue tiles.
Oxford Archaeology carried out the work for develop Angle Property and was commissioned due to the site's proximity to another existing Roman site, according to the BBC.
The research team said the ancient remains extend under Warrington Road and could not be fully investigated.
According to the BBC, "Oxford Archaeology said that following consultations with Historic England and Milton Keynes Council, the mosaic has been preserved in situ.
The Roman mosaic was found in the town near Milton Keynes. Credit: Oxford Archaeology
It means materials have been placed over the brickwork to protect it, to allow construction to continue without causing damage.
John Boothroyd, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, said: "Due to the site location we anticipated some notable Roman remains, but the discovery of this fantastic mosaic far exceeded those expectations.
"To be able to preserve remains of this quality and importance is a brilliant outcome, and one that could only have been achieved with the support of Angle Property."
Anthony Williamson, executive director of Angle, said the find had "taken us all by surprise" and promised it "will be fully recorded" and information about it published."
Written by Jan Bartek - AncientPages.com Staff Writer
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