Roman villa with stunning mosaic is found as workers prepare site for new Aldi supermarket
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Roman villa with beautiful mosaic is found as workers prepare site for new Aldi supermarket
Oxford archaeologists have unearthed what they believe is a Roman villa with a stunning mosaic beneath a site earmarked for a new Aldi supermarket.
On Warrington Road, Buckinghamshire, a bathhouse with beautiful red, white and blue tiles was discovered.
The Olney site is currently being prepared for the construction of a brand new Aldi supermarket.
Archaeologists said the mosaic featured “vibrant colors and intricate decorative patterns,” made up of red, white and blue tiles.
Oxford Archeology carried out the work for the development of Angle Property and was commissioned due to the site’s proximity to another extant Roman site, according to the BBC.
Archaeologists in Oxford believe they have excavated a Roman villa beneath a site earmarked for a new Aldi supermarket
A bath house was discovered with beautiful red, white and blue tiles
Materials have been placed over the masonry to protect the relics and allow construction to proceed without causing damage
The group considers the mosaic to be ‘archaeological remains of great significance’.
Much of the ancient remains are believed to extend beneath Warrington Road, the digl team said.
The archaeologists said the mosaic has been preserved in situ after discussions with Historic England and Milton Keynes Council.
Materials have been placed over the masonry to protect the relics and allow construction to proceed without causing damage.
Oxford Archeology carried out the work for the development of Angle Property and was commissioned due to its proximity to another extant Roman site
Senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, John Boothroyd, explained the BBCWe expected some remarkable Roman remains due to its location, but the discovery of this fantastic mosaic far exceeded those expectations.
‘To be able to preserve vestiges of this quality and importance is a brilliant achievement, and one that could only be achieved with the support of Angle Property.’
There are currently 992 ALDI branches in the UK.