The rare remains were discovered in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, according to a statement from Historic England, a public body that cares for the country’s historic environment, published Thursday.
Archaeologists were called in to work on the project because Iron Age and Roman remains had been found at the site, but the findings “were far more important than expected,” said Historic England.
They include a circular central chamber with several rooms built on it, as well as a bath house. Archaeologists believe the large building complex could have been a luxury villa, a religious shrine, or a combination of both.
The remains are kept in an open public space in the new housing estate.
MAP Archaeological practice
“These archaeological remains are a fantastic find and are far more than we could ever have discovered at this site,” said Keith Emerick, Historic England inspector of ancient monuments. “They already give us a better knowledge and understanding of Roman Britain.”
This kind of layout has never been discovered in the UK before, and historic England said it may be the first time that the remains of such a complex have been seen in the entire Roman Empire, covering 43 large areas of the island of Groot Britain. -410 AD.
“This is a remarkable discovery that adds to the story of the Roman settlement in North Yorkshire,” Karl Battersby, business director, Business and Environmental Services, North Yorkshire County Council, said in the statement.
“Work by North Yorkshire archaeologists has already determined that the buildings were designed by the highest quality architects in Northern Europe at the time and built by the best craftsmen.”
Residential developer Keepmoat Homes has redesigned the development so that the remains are placed in a public open space rather than being over-built.
Historic England will support further archaeological work at the site and recommends naming the remains a Scheduled Monument, which will provide them with protection.