University of Leicester researchers find Rutland mosaic reveals Trojan War and global Roman links
Patterns on the artwork suggest wider Mediterranean influence in Roman Britain
Experts at the University of Leicester believe a mosaic they're studying shows people in Britain during the roman age were far more connected with the world than first thought.
Discovered in Rutland in 2020 by Jim Irvine, in a field at his family farm, the Ketton mosaic was initially described as ‘one of the most significant mosaics discovered in the UK.’
It depicts dramatic illustrations of the legendary Trojan War but researchers have now uncovered even more about its unique history.
Experts from the University of Leicester have determined that the mosaic does not depict scenes from Homer’s Iliad as first assumed but instead tells a rarely seen version of the story.
The illustrations are based on Phrygians by the Greek playwright Aeschylus, it includes artistic patterns traced back to the ancient Mediterranean, emphasising a level of integration between Roman Britain and the classical world that has been little understood before now.
Mediterranean-inspired craftsmanship in Roman Britain
The mosaic, part of a villa complex excavated with funding from Historic England, features images of Greek hero Achilles and Trojan prince Hector in three key moments: their duel, Achilles dragging Hector’s body behind his chariot, and King Priam ransoming Hector’s body for gold.
New analysis shows that these designs cleverly combine artistic patterns seen in ancient Mediterranean art, including Greek pottery, coins from Turkey, and silverware from Gaul.
Dr Jane Masséglia said: “Romano-British craftspeople weren’t isolated from the rest of the ancient world but were part of a wider network of trades passing their pattern catalogues down the generations. At Ketton, we’ve got Roman British craftsmanship but a Mediterranean heritage of design.”
Masséglia added: “In the Ketton Mosaic, not only have we got scenes telling the Aeschylus version of the story, but the top panel is based on a design used on a Greek pot that dates from the time of Aeschylus, 800 years before the mosaic was laid.”
Fascinating new insights on Roman Britain
Jim Irvine, the farmer who uncovered the mosaic, echoed these sentiments: "Jane’s detailed research into the Rutland mosaic imagery reveals a level of cultural integration across the Roman world that we’re only just beginning to appreciate. The research shows Roman Britain may have been far more cosmopolitan than we often imagine.”
Rachel Cubitt, Post-Excavation Coordinator at Historic England, highlighted the importance of studying the site further. She said: “This fascinating new research offers a more nuanced picture of the interests and influences of those who may have lived there, and of people living across Roman Britain at this time.”
This collaborative effort between Historic England and the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) has resulted in several excavations conducted in 2021 and 2022, with more findings expected to shed light on the connection between Roman Britain and the rest of the classical world.