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https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/gallery/somersets-new-roman-mosaic-painstakingly-9705242>
"A reconstruction of a Roman mosaic has been created by a dedicated band of
volunteers after almost five years of effort. The mosaic is laid in a
reconstruction of a Roman building at Avalon Archaeology near Glastonbury.
The volunteers hand-made the 140,000 stone and tile cubes (tesserae) using the
same tools as the Romans did. Then painstakingly recreated a series of mosaic
designs copying ones from Roman villas that had been excavated in Somerset.
The Roman villa is one of the reconstructions that are open to the public at
Avalon Archaeology, run by the South West Heritage Trust. Alongside the villa,
there is a Saxon Longhall and the volunteers are currently building an Iron Age
round house. Avalon Archaeology is within the Avalon Marshes Centre at Westhay.
Dr Richard Brunning, an archaeologist with the South West Heritage Trust, has
led the project. He said: “We believe it is the only recreation of a Roman
mosaic in the UK made entirely by untrained volunteers, using the same
materials and techniques as the Romans did. The finished result is a great
testament to the dedication of the volunteers, who have produced a great work
of art despite having no prior experience.”
Almost 25 volunteers have been involved in the creation of the mosaic. Young
people from the ‘Mick Aston Young Archaeologists’ group have also contributed.
This Christmas visitors to Avalon Archaeology can experience the Roman festival
of Saturnalia, at a family-friendly day on Sunday 15 December. Visitors will be
able to see the reconstructions decked in festive finery, with the hypocaust
fire warming the Roman villa. There are more festive events taking place,
including a visit from reenactors from Draca Beorder for Viking Yule on
Saturday 14 December."
Via Susan ****
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
