Fishbourne Roman Palace
The discovery of Fishbourne Roman Palace was a fortuitous accident. The find was initiated by a workman who discovered a piece of pottery in the process of laying down water mains in 1960. Experts from the British Museum were called in and soon one of the most exciting Roman excavations in England this century began to be unearthed. Underneath the layers of topsoil lay a Roman palace that was evidently the home of a man of eminence.
Remains at Fishbourne date to the first century when the Romans built a couple of granary stores here soon after the invasion. Experts founds weapons but no evidence of a military camp and were thereby led to believe that Fishbourne was initially a military supply base. This was soon abandoned and a timber structure built on the site would be replaced by an opulent stone palace in circa AD90. One important question remained. Who was the powerful man who once lived here?
Extensive research has led to the belief that this was the former home of King Cogidubnus, king of the Regni tribe. He was probably the heir and successor to Verica, king of the Atrebates who had fled to Rome and thereby added impetus to the invasion. It is probable that the Regni tride aided and abetted the invasion by allowing them to land at Chichester. Described by Tacitus as 'a most faithful ally' who probably fought with the Romans against Boudicca, he was rewarded with the honour of becoming a client king. This theory is supported by an inscription on a piece of marble found in Chichester in 1723 which describes Cogidubnus as 'great king of Britain'. A great king needed a great palace and it is most likely that Fishbourne was Cogidubnus' royal residence.
The building that you see at Fishbourne today are the remains of a Flavian Palace built in circa AD 80. The Fishbourne Roman Palace consisted of four wings arranged around a central courtyard. Visitors approaching the palace would have had to pass through the formal gardens, which were decorated with fountains and statues as evidence of the man's wealth and power. However, Fishbourne like most other Roman structures continued to be developed over the centuries. Excavations revealed mosaics superimposed upon layers of mosaic which points to an extensive redecoration process. However, life at Fishbourne Palace came to an end during redecorations in the 3rd century. Evidence has revealed that a serious blaze broke out here causing Fishbourne to be abandoned while the leftovers became a handy local quarry.
On your visit, you'll be able to see the enclosed remains of the north wing which hold the remains of a hypocaust system, bath rooms and the reason why most visitors make their way here, some beautiful mosaics. The finest of these is the complete 'Cupid Riding a Dolphin'. Composed of some 360, 000 tesserae it measures 17ft by 17ft and features an ornate design with cupid at the centre surrounded by seahorses and seapanthers.
Stepping into the garden will take you back to the Roman era and one of the most impressive features at Fishbourne Roman Palace. From here just a little bit of imagination will lead you to appreciate how massive and grand this palace once was. Using the original bedding trenches of the first century a formal garden has been planted based on Pliny's descriptions of gardens and the plants to be found therein. Also on site is a small but informative museum which details the history and excavations of Fishbourne Palace. As well as insightful information on life in the Roman era, there are also some hands-on displays to get the kids involved.
Please note that Fishbourne Palace is currently undergoing restoration. For the moment, 'Cupid Riding a Dolphin' can only be enjoyed from an upside-down perspective.
Remains at Fishbourne date to the first century when the Romans built a couple of granary stores here soon after the invasion. Experts founds weapons but no evidence of a military camp and were thereby led to believe that Fishbourne was initially a military supply base. This was soon abandoned and a timber structure built on the site would be replaced by an opulent stone palace in circa AD90. One important question remained. Who was the powerful man who once lived here?
Extensive research has led to the belief that this was the former home of King Cogidubnus, king of the Regni tribe. He was probably the heir and successor to Verica, king of the Atrebates who had fled to Rome and thereby added impetus to the invasion. It is probable that the Regni tride aided and abetted the invasion by allowing them to land at Chichester. Described by Tacitus as 'a most faithful ally' who probably fought with the Romans against Boudicca, he was rewarded with the honour of becoming a client king. This theory is supported by an inscription on a piece of marble found in Chichester in 1723 which describes Cogidubnus as 'great king of Britain'. A great king needed a great palace and it is most likely that Fishbourne was Cogidubnus' royal residence.
The building that you see at Fishbourne today are the remains of a Flavian Palace built in circa AD 80. The Fishbourne Roman Palace consisted of four wings arranged around a central courtyard. Visitors approaching the palace would have had to pass through the formal gardens, which were decorated with fountains and statues as evidence of the man's wealth and power. However, Fishbourne like most other Roman structures continued to be developed over the centuries. Excavations revealed mosaics superimposed upon layers of mosaic which points to an extensive redecoration process. However, life at Fishbourne Palace came to an end during redecorations in the 3rd century. Evidence has revealed that a serious blaze broke out here causing Fishbourne to be abandoned while the leftovers became a handy local quarry.
On your visit, you'll be able to see the enclosed remains of the north wing which hold the remains of a hypocaust system, bath rooms and the reason why most visitors make their way here, some beautiful mosaics. The finest of these is the complete 'Cupid Riding a Dolphin'. Composed of some 360, 000 tesserae it measures 17ft by 17ft and features an ornate design with cupid at the centre surrounded by seahorses and seapanthers.
Stepping into the garden will take you back to the Roman era and one of the most impressive features at Fishbourne Roman Palace. From here just a little bit of imagination will lead you to appreciate how massive and grand this palace once was. Using the original bedding trenches of the first century a formal garden has been planted based on Pliny's descriptions of gardens and the plants to be found therein. Also on site is a small but informative museum which details the history and excavations of Fishbourne Palace. As well as insightful information on life in the Roman era, there are also some hands-on displays to get the kids involved.
Please note that Fishbourne Palace is currently undergoing restoration. For the moment, 'Cupid Riding a Dolphin' can only be enjoyed from an upside-down perspective.
