The Seasons Mosaic Discovered In Cirencester
The Seasons Mosaic, found in Dyer Street, Cirencester dates to the mid 2nd century and is one of the most impressive pavements ever found in Roman Britain.
Photo: Corinium Museum
Discovered in 1849 during sewage works, the mosaic depicts the four seasons and scenes from Roman mythology, which are associated with Bacchus, the god of wine and fertility.
Only three of the original four corner roundels, depicting the seasons, survive:
Spring: Flora, goddess of flowers, wearing a garland. Summer: Ceres, goddess of agriculture, carrying a sickle. Autumn: Pomona, goddess of the orchard, carrying a pruning knife. Winter: Now missing, probably depicted a hooded goddess holding a bare branch.
Mosaics of this style originally hail from the Greek Islands, but quickly gained popularity in Rome and throughout the Roman Empire.
This particular mosaic intriguingly depicts Actaeon, a hero from Greek mythology, alongside his hunting dogs.
Actaeon, the son of a herdsman, grew up to be a hunter and, through a series of unfortunate events involving the Goddess Artemis, was transformed into a stag (as indicated by his antlers) before being killed by his own dogs.
The mosaic vividly portrays his dogs attacking his left leg, with colors illustrating blood gushing from the wound.
The diverse and vibrant colours are achieved through the use of different types of stone tiles (tessellae), showcasing impressive stone craftsmanship.
Nearly 800 examples of mosaics have been discovered across Britain, with Cirencester housing one of the finest collections.
Serving as expressions of art as well as symbols of social and financial status, mosaics are found in both public and private spaces.
Today, the mosaics are currently on display in The Corinium Museum, situated at the heart of Cirencester.
Reacting to the photos on social media, someone said: “Classical Roman art was beautifully detailed, with well-realised portraits.
That skill did not reappear until the Renaissance for some reason.”
Cirencester, known as Corinium Dobunnorum in Roman times, was one of the most important towns in Roman Britain.
Its significance stemmed from its strategic location at the junction of several major roads, which facilitated trade and communication across the region.
The town's origins can be traced back to the first century AD when the Romans established a fort to secure their new territory after their invasion of Britain in AD 43.
The fort was initially built to control the local Dobunni tribe, and its presence laid the groundwork for the development of a thriving civilian settlement.
By the late first century, Corinium had evolved into a bustling market town.
It became the second-largest town in Roman Britain, surpassed only by Londinium (London).
The town's layout reflected typical Roman urban planning, with a grid pattern of streets, a forum, and various public buildings.
The forum served as the commercial, administrative, and social heart of the town, featuring shops, administrative offices, and temples.
The town boasted several notable public buildings, including a basilica, public baths, and an amphitheater.
The basilica was used for administrative purposes and legal proceedings, while the public baths were a centre for socialising and relaxation.
The amphitheater, capable of seating thousands, hosted a variety of entertainment, including gladiatorial games and theatrical performances.
Corinium remained an important centre until the decline of Roman Britain in the early fifth century.
As Roman authority waned, the town gradually fell into decline. However, its legacy endured, with many Roman structures influencing the town's later medieval development.
Modern Cirencester is renowned for its rich archaeological heritage. Excavations have uncovered extensive remains of the Roman town, including parts of the town walls, gates, and intricate mosaics.
The Corinium Museum houses many of these finds, offering a comprehensive look at life in Roman Cirencester.
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