The Roman Villa

The Roman Villa is a significant archaeological site located in Brading, with remains dating back to the 3rd century. Rediscovered in 1879, the site features masonry walls that stand up to about 4 feet in height, along with a hypocaust system and numerous intricate tesselated pavements.

Among the notable mosaics, Room I contains a depiction of Orpheus surrounded by animals and birds. Room 2 features a unique mosaic that includes the chicken-headed Gnostic god Abraxes, a central roundel of Bacchus, the God of Wine, and gladiators in combat. Room 11 showcases a simple diamond-shaped pattern bordered by red and white tesserae. Room 12 is particularly important, containing one of the most significant floor mosaics in Britain, which is divided into panels by a braided guilloche. The subjects depicted in this room include Perseus rescuing Andromeda, busts of the Four Seasons, the head of Medusa, Ceres distributing ears of corn to Triptolemus, a satyr pursuing a Bacchante, Lycurgus attacking the Maenad Ambrosia with a double axe, and a maenad dancing with a tambourine alongside a shepherd boy. The rectangular border panel features mermen, sea centaurs, and nereids. The site is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.