How a metal detector helped find an ancient Roman estate (PHOTOS)

In Devon, UK, archaeologists have discovered a large fourth-century Roman villa that had been hidden underground for over 16 centuries. The main find is a polychrome mosaic made of thousands of tesserae depicting an eight-petaled flower. Also found were a bath complex, outbuildings, and artifacts, including a precious gemstone with the goddess Victory. The first traces were found in 2004 by a metal detectorist. The mosaic is planned to be moved to the Tiverton Museum.

Archaeological excavations on farmland in Devon, UK, have led to the discovery of a large fourth-century Roman villa that had been hidden underground for more than sixteen centuries. The estate was found between the villages of Halberton and Sampford Peverell during a project carried out by specialists from the University of Exeter in collaboration with Cotswold Archaeology. The main find is a polychrome mosaic made of thousands of small tesserae depicting a stylized eight-petaled flower. According to experts, this is the westernmost example of a polychrome Roman-era mosaic found in Britain. In addition to the living quarters, the remains of a stone bath complex and outbuildings were excavated, indicating the high status of the owners. Among the artifacts are a copper bracelet, a silver-plated spoon, a cup, pottery shards, and a precious gemstone with an image of the goddess Victory. The first traces of the site were found in 2004 by a local enthusiast with a metal detector. The mosaic is planned to be extracted and moved to the Tiverton Museum.