Brading Roman Villa has some of the finest mosaics discovered in Britain. Dating from the 3rd and 4th century AD they tell the stories of Roman myths, gods and goddesses.
Preserved in the soil until their discovery in 1879 they are made using natural materials found both locally on the Island and along the Dorset coastline.
Many experts have tried to decipher the story of the stones, especially with some of our unique panels such as the cockerel headed man.
This was first mosaic to be found by Captain Thorpe and Farmer Munns and is the most intriguing of all. It is the only one of its type found so far in Britain and the Roman empire. Who is it depicting? What do the symbols around him mean? Some of our other mosaics have more recognisable figures such as Medusa, Bacchus and Orpheus.
Orpheus Mosaic
He wears a Phrygian cap and is surrounded by the animals charmed by lyre-playing.
Bacchus Mosaic
Bacchus was the God of wine, the grape harvest, fertility, merriment and theatre.
The Goddess Ceres
Ceres was the goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships.
Room 12 Wind
The Romans called them Venti they were gods who were each given separate directions and were each associated with various seasons and weather conditions.
