The 2nd century mosaic measures over 12 sqm and is a remnant of the legendary Londinium, the seat of government of the Britannia empire. It consists of two panels decorated with small colored pieces that are placed on a red earth. The main panel consists of red and pale yellow terracotta lotus flowers surrounded by twisted ribbons and cords, in a geometric design, and set within a red upholstered floor.

According to archaeologists, the mosaic could have been part of the dining room of a residential house, a large building with many rooms around a central courtyard, a mansion on the outskirts of Londinium that served as a hotel or resting place for high-ranking officials.

The discovery in the holder of a phallic amulet used by the Roman military confirms the hypothesis that it was a “triclinium”, a room that served as a dining room and that it was part of a large inn for high-ranking officers in them. journey through the Empire.

MOLA archaeologists reconstructed the use of the room from the mosaics found: they believe it had a low square or rectangular table in the middle, surrounded by a divan and space for dancing and listening to music, and connected directly to the kitchen. .

Although the mosaic was discovered in June, its discovery was not made public until now as a team of archaeologists had to study its origins and determine the extraction process. For now, it will remain on the construction site of The Liberty of Southwark, an office, residential and recreational complex, while excavations are completed in the vicinity and, throughout the year, it will be moved for preservation and display. undetermined place.

As Roman mosaicist David Neal explains to the BBC, the work belongs to the “Acanthus group”, a team of artisans from Londinium who developed their own style. A very similar panel was found in the German city of Trier, a find that allows us to conclude that the mosaicists traveled to the continent.