Ancient Roman Art Depicting Mythical Chariot Race Unearthed in Berkshire Village; Know the Story Behind The Artwork

A Roman mosaic depicting a mythical chariot has been discovered in Boxford village of Shire county in South East England. While the 1600-year-old mosaic was found in 2017, it was fully uncovered only recently making it one of Britain's most exciting archaeological discoveries. The finding is said to be one of only three such discovered in the world. Experts said that the chariot was 'totally unknown' until it was found. The rare Roman mosaic depicts Greek mythological figure Pelops, who are racing to win the hand of love interest Princess Hippodamia.

Archaeologist Matt Nichol, who has been working on the on it said that the imagery is six metres long and is 'second to none'. Daily Mail quoted Matt as saying, "There are a real buzz and excitement on this project, I've never seen that before on any project that I've worked on." Ichthyosaur, The 145-Million-Year-Old Fossil Uncovered From Kutch Becomes Subject of Debate Between Students and Delhi Scientists.

Many volunteers from the Boxford History Project were also a part of the dig. Joy Appleton, the group's chairman was quoted as saying, "In 10 days only, the volunteers managed to clear the entire mosaic area. We have a passion for understanding our heritage and this is totally unknown in Britain. It is a rare thing." Two years also the mosaic was found in a field but it was covered with soil to let farmers use the land.

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After it was completely uncovered on Saturday, the group held an open day for the public. Appleton said that there were three times the people than she expected. She said, "We had nearly 3,000 people turn up. It is frightening in one sense. They must have come a long way from all over the country." Now, the mosaic will again be covered to protect it and continue with farming. They are not planning to remove it and put it in the museum as it is anyway too big to fit in a room. Appleton said, "The local community want to keep the mosaic where it is. It would cost millions to open it up." New Species of 'Sexy Dinosaurs' From 140 Million Years Ago Discovered in Patagonia, View Pic!

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Here's The Story Portrayed on The Mosaic

Explaining the story depicted on the mosaic, Anthony Beeson, an expert on Greek and Roman architecture said, "The pavement shows Bellerophon and Pegasus but the main action is the story of Pelops and his race to win the hand of the Princess Hippodamia. The king, Oenomaus, having been told that his future son-in-law would bring about his death, made all contestants race him in a chariot but handicapped them by putting the princess in the vehicle with them."

He added, "The losers were decapitated and their heads displayed. Pelops persuaded a former lover Myrtilus and the King's chariot master to substitute a wax lynchpin and the king was killed when the wheels flew off. Pelops thereby won but killed Myrtilus who cursed his lineage and brought about the curse of the Pelops. The king's funerary games are said to be the origin of the Olympics."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2019 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).