A reconstruction of a Roman mosaic has been created by a dedicated band of volunteers after almost five years of effort. The mosaic is laid in a reconstruction of a Roman building at Avalon Archaeology near Glastonbury.
The volunteers hand-made the 140,000 stone and tile cubes (tesserae) using the same tools as the Romans did. Then painstakingly recreated a series of mosaic designs copying ones from Roman villas that had been excavated in Somerset. 
The Roman villa is one of the reconstructions that are open to the public at Avalon Archaeology, run by the South West Heritage Trust. Alongside the villa, there is a Saxon Longhall and the volunteers are currently building an Iron Age round house. Avalon Archaeology is within the Avalon Marshes Centre at Westhay.
Dr Richard Brunning, an archaeologist with the South West Heritage Trust, has led the project. He said: “We believe it is the only recreation of a Roman mosaic in the UK made entirely by untrained volunteers, using the same materials and techniques as the Romans did. The finished result is a great testament to the dedication of the volunteers, who have produced a great work of art despite having no prior experience.”
Almost 25 volunteers have been involved in the creation of the mosaic. Young people from the ‘Mick Aston Young Archaeologists’ group have also contributed.
This Christmas visitors to Avalon Archaeology can experience the Roman festival of Saturnalia, at a family-friendly day on Sunday December 15. Visitors will be able to see the reconstructions decked in festive finery, with the hypocaust fire warming the Roman villa. There are more festive events taking place, including a visit from reenactors from Draca Beorder for Viking Yule on Saturday December 14.
To find out more visit avalonarchaeology.org.uk
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