Rewriting Roman legacy in Britain: 5th Century mosaic

[guy]

Interesting find sheds some light on the late Roman influence in Britain.

 

Quote

 

“It had long been believed that after Britain ceased to be part of the Roman Empire in the 4th century the country went into economic collapse and fell into decay.

But radiocarbon dating of a mosaic unearthed at the Chedworth villa has shown it was created in the 5th century - proving that, for some at least, a life of luxury still continued when the Romans left.”

“ Analysis of animal bones and charcoal found in a trench of the mosaic room dated its creation to after 424AD - after the Roman rule of Britain was over.

Previously, it was thought that all Roman towns and villas were abandoned and fell into decay at the end of the fourth century.”

 

 

 

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1444634/archaeology-breakthrough-mosaic-roman-empire-chedworth-villa-dark-ages-spt

https://www.glosnews.com/articles/suirprises-at-chedworth

 

Summary: great videos on site:

 

Edited January 17 by guy

[Erik Hildinger]

Some scholars now seem to suggest that Roman ways persisted later in Britain than was thought.

[caldrail]

There were cultural legacies. The use of latin, titles, and architecture. So many people believe that Britain was 'romanised' within a generation or two but really that idea can't be justified. Native culture persisted in the background, especially since Roman influence was weaker in the north and west, such that it re-emerged after the legions had gone back to the continent. And on that subject, let's remember that although Britain was left undefended, the Britons weren't just abandoned, they seceded when Rome declined to assist them. That was a political act, not a cultural one. 

Also it's hard to imagine that these impressive villas were simply left to the elements. Even when families could not afford to run homes of the grander size, they remained in use as industries or farms. What is notable is how quickly cities were abandoned when no longer economically or militarily viable, a process that started in the 4th century. The Saxon settlers from the 6th century onward saw these expansive stone ruins and imagined they were once the swellings of giants.