The archaeologists found that the site had been occupied from the 1st century BC to the late Antiquity (7th century AD), with an interruption in the 3rd and 4th century, which they haven't been able to explain. They also identified building remains from the Middle Ages, although these were more rare.

The team discovered a large wall and many structures dating to just before the Roman conquest. This includes a room where a bread oven was set up, and later replaced with a dolium – an enormous ceramic container.

The excavations began in October 2016Denis Gliksman-Inrap

These structures would have stood inside the walls the ancient city of Utecia. The complex network of communication routes and the organisation of the buildings suggest this was the centre of the Roman town and not another, separate site.

Unique mosaic

However, the most stunning find to date is that of a complex mosaic pavement, on the floor of a room, inside a large 250m sq building with a colonnade. It dates back to the early stages of the area's urbanisation – the building is thought to have been used until the end of the 1st century AD.

The archaeologists have identified two large mosaics decorated with traditional geometric motifs framing two central medallions composed of crowns, rays and chevrons. One of the medallions is surrounded by polychrome animals – an owl, a duck, an eagle and a fawn.

Geometric shapes are visible on the remaining mosaicDenis Gliksman-Inrap

"This mosaic is very impressive because of its large size, its good state of conservation and the motifs which combine classical geometric shapes and with animals. This kind of elaborate mosaic pavement is often found in the Roman world in the 1st and 2nd centuries, but this one dates back to about 200 years before that, so this is surprising", Cayn pointed out.

What kind of building the mosaics were found in is still unclear. The colonnade points to the fact it was probably a public building. However, the archaeologists have not yet discarded the hypothesis that the mosaic pavement formed part of a private home. "True, not that many people would have been able to live in such a large building. But it's possible that the owner of these mosaics was quite rich. He probably would have had them placed in a reception room, to impress visitors and show the extent of his wealth", Cayn added.

The excavations will continue at the site until August 2017.

This eagle was identified on the mosaic.Denis Gliksman-Inrap

This is the fawn which was identified by the archaeologists.Denis Gliksman-Inrap

Image of the owl on the mosaic.Denis Gliksman-Inrap

Image of the duck on the mosaic.Denis Gliksman-Inrap