Before modern-day Europe came into existence the ancient continent was majorly ruled by the Romans. Ever since the extinguishment of Roman civilization, the pieces of its history are the only evidence that helps us study the ancient society. Recently a grand Roman villa complex was discovered in Kent, England with the help of Google Earth Images.
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1700-years-old Roman mansion
Archaeologists uncovered a 1,700-years-old villa using Google Earth Images. The ancient structure was spotted due to its ‘cropped markings’ that were caught by Google as it highlighted the ‘linear’ elements of the structure.
Using Google Earth images, archaeologists identified a Roman villa complex—complete with a bathhouse and central heating system—in Kent, England last month. https://t.co/IHpMYuzdMo
— ARTnews (@artnews) October 25, 2022
The research on the site was done by the Kent Archaeological Society along with the aid of local volunteers. Upon investigation, they found a heating system that was spread throughout the structure. Richard Taylor, the site in charge said:
There are many villas spread across Kent, but the fact there’s a hypocaust system remaining is rare. Operating a hypocaust was expensive, requiring a constant supply of fuels – firewood – and a workforce to operate it
Villa of high-class citizens
The archaeologists suspect that the mansion must be owned by farmers from the upper class. Additionally, it had a heating system which required significant maintenance to keep working. These ‘hypocaust systems’ were limited to the public complexes or the people with wealth.
In addition to this, they also found several artefacts such as an amphora-shaped belt, a Roman-British key, coins, pottery etc. According to Artnet, the complex is suspected to be constructed in either 3rd or the 4th century.
Sources used:
-Artnet: 1,700-Year-Old Roman Villa Complex Identified By Archaeologists Using Google Earth Images in England
