Lifting and Conserving a Roman Mosaic - University of Leicester

During the winter of 2016/17, the archaeologists, from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), excavated a large site in Leicester, on the corner of Highcross Street and Vaughan Way next to the John Lewis car park. The project uncovered exciting new evidence for Leicester’s Roman past, including the remains of a Roman house which still contained pieces of mosaic floors in three rooms. As part of the project, it was decided that the largest fragment of mosaic would be saved for future display. The mosaic was in a very delicate condition. After more than 1,500 years buried in the ground the mortar grouting had decayed away and soil was the only thing holding it together. The archaeological conservator, Theo Sturge, helped by the team from ULAS, had the added challenge of having to lift the mosaic in the less-than-optimal cold and damp weather conditions of winter. The mosaic, which measures some 2m by 3m, is one of the largest pieces to be found in Leicester in the last 30 years. It d