Discovery suggests villa had an illustrious owner
NEW evidence suggests Lullingstone Roman Villa was owned by someone of great importance, according to one historian.
Gold found on a finely engraved seal during an annual clean have given further weight to the theory it belonged to Publius Helvius Pertinax, governor of Britain between 185 and 186AD and Emperor of Rome for three months in 193.
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CLEANING TIME: Joanne Gray, curator for the South East Region with English Heritage, pictured at Lullingstone Roman Villa, near Eynsford, on Monday, where a unique Roman Cornelian Seal excavated there 60 years ago was taken out of its display case for its annual clean CMGAH20100809A-2_C
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KEEPER'S FIND: English Heritage curator Joanne Gray with the Victory-Gem CMGAH20100809A-13C
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NICE AND CLEAN: The unique Roman Cornelian Seal, excavated at Lullingstone Roman Villa (near Eynsford, Kent) 60 years ago, which was taken out of its diplay case there for cleaning on Monday CMGAH20100809A-4_C
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THE GOVERNOR: The bust of Publius Helvius Pertinax
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BABY'S SKELETON: The skeleton of a baby dating from the 2nd Century, which is on display in a glass case at Lullingstone Roman Villa, near Eynsford in Kent CMGAH20100809A-8_C
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ANCIENT GAME: Ludus Duodecim Scripta played in Roman times CMGAH20100809A-7_C
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ON DISPLAY: Some goods excavated from graves found at Lullingstone Roman Villa, near Eynsford. In this display case are a bronze flagon and base dating from AD300, silver spoons and a pottery flagon also from AD300, and a replica of a 4th Century wooden keg CMGAH20100809A-11_C
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REMAINS: The skeleton of a 24-year-old man dating from the 4th Century, which is on display at Lullingstone Roman Villa CMGAH20100809A-9_C
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INTERESTING DISPLAY: Goods found in graves, excavated at Lullingstone Roman Villa and on display in one of the glass cases there. Items seen include a Medusan head carved into bone (centre) and glass gaming counters CMGAH20100809A-10_C
Close inspection of the seal, known as the Victory-Gem, found minute flecks of gold forced into it. Experts believe it may have been gouged out of a signet ring stolen when the villa was deserted at the end of the second century.
English Heritage curator Joanne Gray said: "The idea that a governor may have had the villa as his out-of-town residence is just fantastic.
"The stone is a stunning piece and this theory brings together two important items – the bust and the stone – which is so exciting."
The seal was discovered 60 years ago just outside the villa, a prosperous working farm occupied for over 300 years.
A marble, bearded bust found around the same time is believed to be of Pertinax.
While it had always been clear from the size and grandeur of the villa that the owner was someone wealthy, it was not until archeologist Martin Henig carried out research into the Victory-Gem in 2007 and claimed the owner may have been Pertinax.
Mrs Gray said: "Pertinax was known for being feisty with his troops, doling out harsh punishments, so it is thought that they rebelled against him."
She added when the troops arrived at the villa and found Pertinax had fled, they took out their anger on his bust and stole precious items, including the Victory-Gem.
It was gouged from the ring as this would have identified it as belonging to Pertinax.
Other artefacts, such as harnesses for horses, indicate livestock was kept at the villa.
Locks and padlocks show there were items of value on the site too, with jewels, coins, tools, pottery and household goods among them.
Several skeletons including a couple in their 20s from the fourth century, four suspected still-born babies, a large dog and two geese have also been unearthed.
They are all on display, along with the seal, at Lullingstone Roman Villa in Eynsford.
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