London Archaeologists Reassemble Largest Roman Frescoes in 1,800 Years

Archaeologists in London have reconstructed one of the largest collections of Roman frescoes ever found in the city, piecing together thousands of plaster fragments over three months to reveal artwork unseen for more than 1,800 years. The fragments, discovered dumped in a pit at the Liberty development site in Southwark, once adorned about 20 interior walls of a high-status Roman villa dating from around AD 43-150. The restored frescoes include detailed depictions of fruit, flowers, birds, candelabras, and period stringed instruments, reflecting the cosmopolitan tastes and considerable wealth of ancient Londinium's elite. Han Li, senior building material specialist at the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), described the restoration as assembling the world's most difficult jigsaw puzzle, with fragments jumbled together from different walls and many being extremely delicate. Among the finds is a decorative tablet carving marked with the Latin word "fecit," highlighting the sophistication of Roman wall art in Britain. This discovery not only offers a rare glimpse into Roman decorative artistry but also provides valuable insights into the status and cultural connections of London's Roman inhabitants.