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Posted on 08/10/2026 9:27:20 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
New research from the University of Leicester has conclusively determined why the famous Ketton mosaic in Rutland -- one of the most remarkable Roman discoveries in Britain for a century -- cannot depict scenes from Homer's Iliad as was initially believed. Instead, it draws on an alternative version of the Trojan War story first popularised by the Greek playwright Aeschylus that has since been lost to history.
The mosaic's images combine artistic patterns and designs that had already been circulating for hundreds of years across the ancient Mediterranean, suggesting that craftsmen in Roman Britain were more closely connected to the wider classical world than has been assumed.
The Ketton mosaic was discovered in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown by local resident Jim Irvine, leading to a major excavation by University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), with funding from Historic England. The mosaic and surrounding villa complex have since been designated a Scheduled Monument in recognition of their exceptional national importance. Historic England and ULAS undertook collaborative excavations at the site in 2021 and 2022 and are working together to publish the results of those investigations.
(Excerpt) Read more at le.ac.uk ...
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Panel 3 of the Ketton Mosaic shows Priam, king of Troy, loading a set of scales with gold vessels, to match the weight of his son, Hector. This version of the story is based on the lost play, Phrygians by Aeschylus. Jen Browning from University of Leicester Archaeological Services was able to reconstruct the burnt section by tracing the outline of the tiles.©ULAS
I've had this on deck for a while, so I think, Thanks for the link!
Hmm—no black folks or trannies in Roman depiction of Troy...wonder why?
suggesting that craftsmen in Roman Britain were more closely connected to the wider classical world than has been assumed.
Why would you assume that they were not? Its not like the Brits had a long standing mosaic tradition pre Rome...
I’m surprised that this article suggests that it is surprising that craftsmen in Roman Britain knew and depicted these stories. There is evidence of Syrian and even Bosporan legionaries at Hadrian’s Wall. There was an incredible - unprecedented - amount of travel within the Empire. Why wouldn’t craftsmen know of or even come from areas where the legend of Troy - and its many derivations - was known?
Thank you so much for posting this. I admire the breadth of your reading list.
My pleasure! And thanks for the kind remarks.
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