A Roman mosaic discovered beneath a farmer’s field in Devon, England, has been excavated after lying hidden for centuries, revealing what archaeologists say is one of the county’s most significant Roman finds.
The mosaic formed part of a Roman villa complex near Sampford Peverell, which was identified 16 years ago by local metal detectorist John Hill. Since then, archaeologists at the University of Exeter and students and volunteers from Cotswold Archaeology have carefully explored the site as part of a long-term research project.
The decorated floor made of patterned tesserae had been unearthed in land that had been ploughed regularly for decades. The remaining part of the mosaic has now been lifted and a central floral pattern has been identified. The preserved mosaic will be displayed at Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life together with other artefacts recovered during the excavation process.
Hill, who has been metal detecting for four decades, said the discovery was “a dream”. He said he knew he had found something significant after finding a Roman coin and seeing pieces of mosaic scattered across the field.
“I realised it was something large when I found the first coin in the top corner of the field and then went on to see tesserae lying everywhere,” he said.
He recalled telling the farmer he thought a Roman building was underneath the field, but the land had been ploughed for years without revealing anything. The farmer did, however, mention that machinery often bounced over the same area.
He was also pleased that the site was finally being excavated after more than 16 years.
“It’s taken 16 years to get everyone here to do the dig,” he said. “I’m nearly 80 now, so I thought I wouldn’t possibly see it in my lifetime.”
The excavation forms part of the five-year Saving Halberton’s Ancient Roman Environment project, with researchers now two years into the programme.
Dr Susan Greaney, lecturer in archaeology at the University of Exeter, described the area between Halberton and Sampford Peverell as “an important Roman site” containing a substantial villa complex with agricultural buildings and a bath house.
She said Roman villas were uncommon in Devon, making the discovery particularly significant.
“In Devon, we are very much on the edge of the Roman Empire and Roman villas here are really rare,” she said. “It’s even rarer to have one with a mosaic. This would have been a really high-status family home.”
Researchers hope further excavation will reveal whether the estate had links to the Roman legionary city of Exeter or nearby military forts at Tiverton and Cullompton.
The discovery is not Hill’s first archaeological success. While living in Dorchester, he helped uncover a 2,000-year-old Iron Age burial site. Reflecting on his latest find, he said: “I just love history. It’s a super hobby.”
Header Image Credit : Cotswold Archaeology
Sources : University of Exeter
