Two Roman Mosaics are at risk of leaving the UK

Export bars have been placed on two geometric and patterned Roman mosaics dating back to the fourth century AD that are at risk of leaving the United Kingdom. 

The two sections of Roman mosaics were discovered at a Roman villa at Fullerton, in Hampshire. The villa was first discovered during excavation as part of a continuing exploration of the upper Test Valley and in 1904, the two Roman mosaics were uncovered and moved to Fullerton Manor. 

The two mosaics both have unique defining characteristics. One shows what is believed to be a ‘running pelta’ design in which a series of crescent-shaped small shields are arranged in a geometric pattern full of flow and energy. The pattern is created using purplish-brown and red mosaic tiles on a white background. These pelta shapes can be found across the Roman world.

The second mosaic shows geometric designs created also using purplish-brown bands of tiles set against a white background. The design consists of two separate elements, a bold design similar to a simplified city wall and a simple stonework pattern of alternating rectangles. 

Excavation established that the mosaics derived from a narrow corridor linking the east and west sides of the villa, and from a square room at its northern end. This latter room subsequently proved to have much of the remaining labyrinth pattern still intact, minus the rectangular section lifted in 1904, providing a tangible link between the two.

Roman villas are a significant resource for experts researching Roman Britain, but current understanding of how they were used is minimal. Originally it was believed that Roman villas were used as the residences of the landed gentry, but it is now thought they served a much wider range of purposes including being used as hunting estates, agrarian powerhouses, cult centres visited by pilgrims and for spiritual and physical healing. 

These mosaics play a vital role in helping us to understand the complex and rich history of our ancestors and give us unique insight into how the countryside was used in Roman Britain and how this changed over time.