📜 Discovery of a Roman narrative of the Trojan War very different from Homer's

An archaeological treasure was discovered during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which tells a story of the Trojan War very different from the one we know thanks to Homer. This surprising discovery comes from a Roman mosaic in England, challenging our ideas about ancient Greek culture.

The Ketton site in Rutland revealed this work of art in 2020, during a chance excavation on a family farm. Initially, researchers thought it was a classic representation of the Iliad, but recent analyses have shown something unexpected. The mosaic was quickly designated a national monument, thus highlighting its importance for British history.


The in-depth study conducted by the University of Leicester indicates that the scenes do not correspond to Homer's narrative. On the contrary, they seem inspired by a lost play by Aeschylus, entitled Phrygians. This alternative version highlights episodes such as the fight between Achilles and Hector, or the weighing of Hector's body against gold, elements absent from the traditional epic.

The artistic motifs of the mosaic show striking similarities with older works from Greece, Turkey and Gaul. This observation suggests that the craftsmen of Roman Britain were not isolated, but were part of an extensive Mediterranean cultural network. They used pattern books transmitted through generations.


This artistic integration suggests that cultural life in Roman Britain was more cosmopolitan than previously thought. The owners of the Ketton villa had access to rare stories, showing a taste for uncommon versions of mythology. Publication work continues to share these discoveries with the scientific community.

Future research could teach us more about the spread of these stories. For now, this mosaic offers a valuable insight into cultural exchanges in Antiquity, linking Roman England to the classical traditions of the Mediterranean basin.

Cultural networks in the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was a vast territory where ideas and techniques circulated easily. Craftsmen and merchants moved around, bringing with them know-how and artistic traditions. This created a cultural blend where regions like Roman Britain could adopt Mediterranean styles.

The presence of similar motifs in Greece, Turkey and Gaul indicates that these networks were well established. Objects such as coins, silver vases and mosaics served as supports to disseminate these designs. The owners of Roman villas in present-day England could thus display their refinement by choosing rare works.

This integration shows that Roman Britain was not an isolated periphery. On the contrary, it actively participated in the cultural currents of the time. Discoveries like that at Ketton reinforce the idea of an interconnected ancient world, where art served as a link between different communities.