This month’s talk will be preceded by the FRAG Annual General Meeting. The AGM will commence at 6.30pm with the talk likely to start at about 7pm.
The AGM will be an opportunity to report on the state of play at FRAG and vote on our committee positions. We encourage members to take part and make their voices heard. Please see agenda below.
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF VENUE FOR THIS EVENT
The Rutland Roman Villa and Mosaic recently discovered near Ketton
Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the UK, unearthing the first Roman mosaic of its kind. This remarkable find, along with the villa complex surrounding it, has been safeguarded as a scheduled monument by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) based on guidance from Historic England.
The uncovering of this rare Roman mosaic and villa complex was initiated during the 2020 lockdown when Jim Irvine, son of landowner Brian Naylor, stumbled upon it. Upon contacting the archaeological team at Leicestershire County Council, further investigations ensued, led by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), in collaboration with Historic England and Rutland County Council.
The mosaic, measuring approximately 11 meters by nearly 7 meters, portrays a segment of the legendary tale of Achilles, making it a unique depiction within the UK. The villa, believed to have been inhabited during the late Roman period, is surrounded by various structures including aisled barns and circular features, hinting at the opulence and classical knowledge of its occupants.
Speaker: Dr Jeremy Taylor, Leicester University
Jeremy’s research pursuits encompass examining rural settlement, society, and agriculture during the Iron Age and Roman period in Britain, as well as investigating the significance of smaller urban centers and, more recently, exploring the landscape context and interpretation of hoarding practices. His endeavors extend beyond academic discourse to encompass the practical implications of such research in managing public engagement within intricate historic landscapes, particularly in the East Midlands region. Jeremy’s proficiency lies in devising comprehensive training initiatives for excavation and field survey participation aimed at local volunteers, thereby bolstering the capabilities of community fieldwork groups and fostering sustained interest in heritage conservation efforts.
Due to Easter holidays, please note that this event is being held at Peterborough Museum (NOT AT UCP Peterborough)
