Romans 3: what they walked on

Romans 3e Folkestone Roman Villa mosaic floor

What is this?

Wealthy Romans didn’t have carpets. They impressed their guests with magnificent mosaic floors made from thousands of tiny cubes of coloured stone or tile.

Mosaic designs included Roman gods and goddesses, feasts, battles and gladiators fighting.

This one was discovered at Folkestone Roman Villa by Samuel Winbolt’s team in 1924. It was discovered in the dining room (Room 40).

The dining room was one of the most impressive rooms in the house, with painted walls and a magnificent sea view.

Can you imagine what it was like to be a guest here in Roman times, enjoying a lavish meal, wine and entertainment?

Why are some areas blank?

This is a drawing of the dining room mosaic at Folkestone Roman Villa. Large areas of it are missing because the mosaic pieces have been moved, especially in the middle of the floor, where people would have walked more often.

From the parts that are still there, we can see it was a colourful geometric repeat pattern of leaves, flowers and inter-woven ropework.

What do you think the missing sections looked like?

Imagine you are the new owners of the villa. What exciting design would you commission to replace it?

Image Copyright: Canterbury Archaeological Trust

Romans 3b Mosaic pieces with Roman cement

View object record

What are these? Why are they only smooth on one side?