In an exciting archaeological discovery in Southwark, London, researchers from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have assembled what they describe as “the world’s most difficult jigsaw puzzle.” This monumental effort was undertaken to reconstruct remarkable frescoes that once adorned the walls of a luxurious Roman villa. This villa, dating back to nearly 2,000 years ago during the height of Roman occupation, holds significant historical relevance as it showcases the art and culture prevalent in Roman London.
The initial discovery occurred during excavations when archaeologists unearthed thousands of fragments of shattered wall plaster. These remnants were found discarded in a large pit, likely a result of demolition work completed by the Romans around 200 AD. The significance of these plaster fragments was not immediately apparent to the archaeologists. However, through a meticulous piecing together of the fragments, expert Han Li, a senior building material specialist at MOLA, managed to reveal stunning frescoes that once decorated approximately twenty walls within the villa.
Li dedicated three months to the careful arrangement of the plaster, reviving artwork that had been hidden away for more than 1,800 years. The imagery captured in these frescoes is both vibrant and diverse, featuring painted representations of fruit, flowers, birds, elegant candelabras, and string instruments that were popular in Roman society. One of the standout pieces shows a sorrowful woman possessing a hairstyle characteristic of the Flavian period, which spanned from 69 to 96 AD.
Reflecting on the experience, Li expressed a mix of exhilaration and nervousness while assembling the delicate fragments, many of which had been jumbled together during the villa’s demolition. “It was like assembling the world’s most difficult jigsaw puzzle,” he remarked, elucidating the complexity and fragility of the project. Meanwhile, the archaeologists continue to examine the plasterwork more rigorously, eager to glean any further insights about the artistic influences that permeated Roman London.
Notably, some fragments of the frescoes were found to echo the designs of other regions throughout the Roman Empire. For example, certain pieces mimic opulent wall tiles such as the red Egyptian porphyry, a distinct volcanic stone, which frames intricate veins of African giallo antico, a rich yellow marble. This stylistic inspiration hints at a broader connection between Londinium (the Roman name for London) and other sites such as Colchester and even locations across Europe like Germany and Pompeii.
An intriguing aspect of this discovery is the implication that one of the painters may be identifiable through an artifact termed a “tabula ansata,” which served as a decorative tablet for signing artwork. A fragment of plaster bore the Latin word “fecit,” indicating “has made this.” Unfortunately, the identity of the artist remains obscured due to the absence of the section that would have displayed the painter’s name.
In a notable addition to this archaeological find, the team uncovered an etching of an almost complete Greek alphabet, skillfully inscribed by what appears to be a proficient writer. This inscription stands out as the only known instance of its kind from Roman Britain, although similar examples have been documented in Italy.
Understanding the historical context, the Romans first invaded Britain in 43 AD and swiftly established Londinium, laying the groundwork for what would become modern London. Their influence persisted for close to 400 years, ending around 410 AD when Roman authority waned.
The site of these remarkable finds is currently under redevelopment as The Liberty of Southwark, envisioned as a multifaceted complex of offices, residences, and retail spaces. Prior discoveries at this location include beautifully preserved mosaics found in 2022, a poignant reminder of Rome’s architectural legacy, as well as a rare Roman mausoleum unveiled the following year, further underscoring the site’s historical fullness and the richness of London’s ancient past. These ongoing findings continue to paint a vivid picture of life during the Roman era and deepen our understanding of ancient British society.