Largest Roman villa found in Wales uncovered beneath deer park

Ground-penetrating radar has revealed the 572 square metre footprint of what researchers describe as the largest Roman villa identified in Wales beneath Margam Country Park, inside a historic deer park; excavations are planned as early as next summer to investigate possible mosaics and artefacts.

Archaeologists have identified what they describe as the largest Roman villa yet recorded in Wales, located beneath Margam Country Park near Port Talbot. The outline of the complex was detected by ground-penetrating radar less than a metre below the surface inside a historic deer park that has not been ploughed or developed. The footprint measures about 572 square metres and sits within a defended enclosure, and researchers say the remains appear well preserved and possibly date to the 4th century AD. Teams have indicated they may begin excavation work as early as next summer. Key findings: - Ground-penetrating radar revealed a villa footprint of roughly 572 square metres beneath Margam Country Park. - The building appears to be a corridor villa with two wings, a veranda and corridors leading to a series of main and rear rooms; its length is reported at about 43 metres. - The villa lies inside a defended enclosure of about 2,300 square metres, which the team interprets as a defensive feature. - The site is in a historic deer park that has never been ploughed or developed, contributing to the reported state of preservation. - Researchers say the site is thought to date to the 4th century AD and that planned excavations aim to look for mosaics and Roman artefacts. Summary: The discovery adds a new piece to the picture of Romano-British activity in South Wales by indicating a sizeable domestic complex rather than solely military sites in the area. Researchers plan to begin excavations as early as next summer to assess preservation and investigate for mosaics and other artefacts. Undetermined at this time is the full extent of finds and how they will change current interpretations of the period in this region.