A unique mosaic with scenes from Homer's Iliad was accidentally found on a farm in England

In the English county of Rutlandshire, archaeologists made a unique discovery - a Roman villa. She is decorated

mosaic depicting scenes from the epicthe poem "Iliad", which is attributed to Homer. It is part of the floor of the villa's dining or entertainment area, its dimensions are 11x7m. Nothing like this had ever been found in the UK before.

Villa was accidentally found by Jim Irwin, sonlandowner Brian Naylor. He made the discovery after accidentally spotting the “unusual pottery” while walking and contacting the archaeology team at Leicestershire County Council. Afterwards, the farm territory was studied by scientists from the University of Leicester. Historic England, which funded the urgent excavation, described the mosaic as "one of the most significant finds in Britain."

"Historic England"

Now the mosaic and the surrounding complex of villasProtected as a listed building by the Department of Digital Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS). It is believed that a wealthy man of the late Roman period lived in this complex.

In general, mosaics were regularly usedPrivate and public buildings throughout the Roman Empire often featured famous figures from mythology. However, the find is considered unique to Britain because it depicts Achilles and his battle with Hector at the end of the Trojan War. “It is wonderful to discover such a rare mosaic of this size, as well as the surrounding villa,” said Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England.

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