Woodchester Roman Villa

The Roman Villa at Woodchester one of the largest in the Roman province of Britannia Villenbauten ( UK). Today it is located on the boundary of Woodchester, a village in the county of Gloucestershire in England. It is not only because of its size but also because of its rich features of particular importance. The mosaic found here is the largest ancient mosaic north of the Alps.

The remains of the villa are located on a hill in the Cotswolds and overlook a small tributary of the Frome. In ancient times, the Villa was located around 18 kilometers from Corinium Dobunnorum ( Cirencester ), which was an important town just in the fourth century. The remains of the villa are now partly under an old church, a cemetery and under parts of the village.

The Orpheus Mosaic found there is about 15 × 15 meters tall, the largest found in England Roman mosaic. It is dated around 325 AD in the time and Corinischen school was allocated. Recent studies include the mosaic of Orpheus Group. Until 1973, it was revealed about every twelve years to show it visitors.

The large mosaic of the villa was first mentioned in 1695 by William Camden, after it has been discovered already in 1693 by Edward lluyed, but was apparently known in advance, at least the people living there. The villa was excavated in 1794 by Samuel Lysons for the most part. The results were presented in an outstanding publication for that time, the mosaic floors were drawn and published on color charts for example.

The villa has been but still not fully investigated and the early publication leaves many questions unanswered. A first villa there was probably already in the second century. The majority of the building and found its rich features but are dated to the fourth century. At this time, the complex was about 182 × 160 meters. She had a large central courtyard and at least two, if not more so yards to the grouped the main buildings.

The main dining room had four columns and was decorated with the Orpheus mosaic. Other rooms were also equipped with mosaics. Overall, residues found at least 22 mosaics. A second upstream courtyard was surrounded on three sides by buildings that were apparently more economic purposes. Many rooms had wall paintings and there were fragments of various marble statues.