Exhibition
Wonder at the display of artefacts, many of which are on view for the first time since the villa was discovered in the 1950s.
Working with some of the original excavators, English Heritage has brought together a varied collection of finds which shed light on the way the affluent Romans who owned the villa are believed to have lived, worked, worshipped and relaxed. See rare decorated glass, pottery and finely crafted jewellery.
The engrossing exhibition lifts the veil on how the Romans felt about life and death
and includes the skeleton of an adult male, baby and even that of a large dog and geese! Discover a remarkable collection of grave goods such as the counters game found on top of a shell-embossed lead coffin. Objects were often buried with the dead. Practical items were believed to aid the journey to the underworld, whilst some - such as this game - were more likely to have been cherished belongings.
Delightful drawings by children’s book illustrator, Jane Ray, highlight the way in which these objects were used, and hands-on activities are especially designed to fire the imaginations of our younger visitors. Step back in time as you dress up in Roman costumes, create a mosaic or handle real Roman objects. There is also a fun trail to follow and enjoy.
