5th century mosaic discovered for the first time in Britain (5 photos + 1 video)

Archaeologists have "rewritten history" by analyzing mosaics at one of Britain's most famous Roman villas. The composition was created in the 5th century, which proves that art flourished in the “dark ages.”





Previously, historians believed that Roman villas and towns in Britain fell into disrepair at the end of the 4th century AD.

However, excavations of mosaics at the world-famous Roman villa of Chedworth in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, led by archaeologist Martin Papworth, proved otherwise.

“Everything we think about this society is wrong,” he said.



A sample of charcoal from the foundation on which the mosaic sat was sent for carbon dating in 2017.

Analysis showed that the composition appeared in the 480s AD. It turns out that it is not Roman, but was created in the early Middle Ages. This happened several decades after Britain entered the so-called "Dark Ages", which are usually characterized by the onset of economic and cultural decline.





Martin commented: "Archival material suggests that Roman rule in Britain came to an end around 410 AD, and after that everything seemed to fall apart. There is scant evidence of the continuation of a Romanized way of life, especially in the western part of the country. East "Britain, which is closer to Germany and the Netherlands, underwent changes more quickly. And the west (Gloucestershire, Dorset and Somerset) seems to have resisted the Saxon onslaught. Perhaps in these places everything went on as usual and gradually faded away."



Radiocarbon dating results indicate that a wealthy homeowner commissioned a new mosaic several decades after the Romans left. For a long time it was believed that during the “dark times” the country collapsed and everyone lived in shacks.



Villa Chedworth dates from the 2nd century AD and has a number of historically significant features, including an artificial pond, two baths, a latrine, a kitchen, heating systems and an extensive collection of artefacts.

Archaeologists are now examining evidence from other Roman mansions to determine whether the luxurious lifestyle continued in other parts of Britain during the Dark Ages.

"Was Chedworth the only villa whose style survived into the 5th century? Together with Professor Ken and Dr Petra Dark, we are collecting data from the archives to find further evidence of dating. These are exciting times for archeology - we are, in effect, rewriting history." Papworth added.