Lullingstone Roman Villa

Lullingstone

Kent

One of England's most important Roman sites has re-opened after the completion a year long refurbishment project.

Rare decorated glass gaming counters discovered at Lullingstone Roman Villa around 60 years ago are among the 240 artifacts now on display at the site near Eynsford.

Working with some of the original excavators who discovered the objects during digs at the site from the late 1940s until 1961, English Heritage has brought together the varied collection of finds to shed light on the way the affluent Romans who occupied the villa – one of the most important and complete in Britain – are believed to have lived, worked, worshipped and relaxed.

Lively interpretation panels bringing the Roman occupation to life feature a series of illustrations by award-winning children's illustrator Jane Ray and to engage younger visitors, there are interactive objects ranging from a handling collection of Roman artifacts to tesserae cubes to make into mosaics.

The highlight of the new interpretation is a sound and light show which dramatically illuminates the ruined villa from above while telling its story. Visitors can look down as the lights pick out rooms, from the bath suite to the triclinium, or dining room, as well as the villa's crowning glory, a superb mosaic floor laid during the 4th century which vividly depicts scenes from ancient mythology.

The majority of the artifacts have not been seen since they went on display after excavation in the 1950s, including a remarkable collection of grave goods discovered in a mausoleum containing the bodies of a man and woman who both died in their mid-twenties. Their above average heights – she was 5ft 6in tall and he measured 5ft 10in – are consistent with their high status, reflecting better diets and living conditions than the norm.

Objects buried with them include 30 gaming counters, which were possibly used for the game ludus duodecim scripta – a game similar to backgammon – and placed with the body for entertainment during the journey to the afterlife.

They were found on the lid of the man's shell-embossed lead coffin alongside a head carved into bone. This was believed to represent a goddess providing protection, or possibly the snake-haired gorgon Medusa – in Greek mythology, Medusa's blood was used to revive the dead. Displayed with his skeleton, other finds from the mausoleum include a glass bottle with dolphin handles, flagons thought to have contained water or wine for the journey, silver spoons and a wooden keg.

Improved amenities for visitors have also been installed, including a new shop and tea bar and an Education Room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the villa for the thousands of schoolchildren who visit the site each year.

Lullingstone Roman Villa was a prosperous working farm, occupied for over 300 years. It went through four phases of development before being abandoned in the early fifth century and contains some of the