14 July 2006

Villa mosaic's secrets revealed

Archaeologists excavating part of a Roman villa in Somerset have unearthed a mosaic of Daphne and Apollo. The mosaic, which dates back to the 4th Century, is part of the Dinnington Roman Villa site near Ilminster.

It is thought to be the only one of its kind in the country to feature the figures from Greek mythology. The treasure was uncovered by a team of experts from Somerset County Council and students from Winchester University and Taunton's Richard Huish College. Dinnington Roman Villa was first discovered when a plough turned up pieces of mosaic tile.

Read more at > Villa mosaic's secrets revealed

According to Greek myth, the Sun God Apollo was struck by one of Cupid's arrows, causing him to fall in love with Daphne, the daughter of River God Peneus. Fleeing from Apollo, Daphne prayed to her father for help, and was turned into a laurel tree.

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