A ROMAN mosaic which has lain under Colchester city centre for nearly 2,000 years is being excavated by archaeologists.

The artwork, which is believed to be one of 40 uncovered over the past 200 years in Colchester, was found underneath Lion Walk on Monday, much to the excitement of archaeologists and passers-by.

It is hoped the mosaic will be fully uncovered and encapsulated in glass by the end of the summer, with the work set to be undertaken jointly by Lion Walk, Colchester Council and Colchester Archaeological Trust.

The form of artwork, which is synonymous with the Roman Empire, is triangular in shape and looks to be part of a larger mosaic.

The work is likely to have been part of an affluent Roman’s home.

Gazette: Historic – the mosaic would have formed part of an affluent Roman home Historic – the mosaic would have formed part of an affluent Roman home (Image: Martin Leatherdale)

The director of Colchester Archaeological Trust Philip Crummy said Colchester is likely to have more Roman mosaics than any other Roman town in Britain.

He said: “The exposing permanently part of a decorated Roman mosaic in Colchester is a fantastic idea – over 40 mosaics have been recorded over the past two centuries in Colchester.

“I am fairly sure there are more mosaics in Colchester than any other Roman town in Britain.

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“Coloured mosaics are something that people associate with Romans and Colchester is not well enough known for its Roman heritage as it ought to be [and] I look forward to more projects like this.”

Martin Leatherdale, the Lion Walk shopping centre manager, explained further work is now being taken to ensure the mosaic can be excavated and then preserved in its best condition.

Gazette: Teamwork – Tabitha Lawrence, Martin Leatherdale, Philip Crummy, and Harvey Furniss on-siteTeamwork – Tabitha Lawrence, Martin Leatherdale, Philip Crummy, and Harvey Furniss on-site (Image: Martin Leatherdale)

He said: “The reveal forms the first stage of investigative works to fully understand how much remaining mosaic is underground.

“Secondary to that, we are looking at the moisture content of the ground, which needs to be scientifically considered for the encapsulation.

“It is absolutely fascinating to think 1,800 years ago this actual mosaic would have formed part of over 200 affluent Roman town houses.”

Colchester Council leader David King added: “We have so much history in this the first and latest city of Britain – it is great we can share it.”