Grand Villa & Gardens
During the 4th century major renovations were undertaken, both on the villa and the surrounding grounds, turning it into a grand country estate that would have been the envy of passers by (and anybody lucky enough to receive an invitation).

On the top of the hill at Blue Bridge the Temple Mausoleum was demolished and a circular shrine was built nearby.

 Photograph of the reconstructed foundations of the villa
This photo was taken from the east of the Villa and shows the layout of the villa and garden with the fish pond in the centre.
Artefacts belonging to the occupants of the Grand Villa
Gold coin
Gold coin called a Solidus, minted during the reign of the Emperor Constantine I, between AD 320- AD 330. Inscribed with -Victory over all peoples.
 Replica of a Roman purse with the coin hoard
Coin hoard of 22 coins. Why the hoard was buried remains a mystery.
Stone gaming board with a grid scratched into the surface
Gaming Board, dice & dice Shaker.		 Remains of a leather shoe
Leather shoe.

(Left to right) Wooden stopper and bung. Pine cone, once containing edible pine nuts.
Metal spoon.
Wooden Spatula.

Plan of the grounds of the villaVilla HouseEnclosure Ditch, possibly a hedge row surrounded the villa complexHouse for Extended FamilyShrine or Summer HouseA SMITHY where iron is turned into objects by heating the metal on a forge then hammering the metal on an anvil.Midden Area, this is where the construction rubble and daily waste of the villa was deposited.Ornamental garden with fish pond and flower bed. Extent of Excavated AreaUn-excavated Area

Explore the map and Click on the Villa and Shrine to find out more!
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