Archaeologists in the UK have recently uncovered a stunning mosaic from the Roman era depicting the famous battle between the protagonists of the Trojan War, Achilles and Hector.
The artwork measuring 11 meters (36 feet) by 7 meters (22.9 feet) was discovered in the county of Rutland, central England, during excavations of an elaborate villa complex made of a host of structures and other buildings, dating to the 3rd or 4th centuries AD.
Duncan Wilson, Historic England's chief executive described the find as "remarkable", Historic England is a public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England's historic environment.
John Thomas of the University of Lancaster told the Press Association that it was "the most exciting Roman mosaic discovery in the UK in the last century" and a "very well preserved example of a villa in its entity".
He added that the person who commissioned the artwork had "a knowledge of the classics who had the money to commission a piece of such detail."
The Trojan War as described magnificently in Homer's "Illiad" is so vivid that it is considered by many to be an actual fact and not simply an epic poem.
As described by Homer, Hector is one of the principal defenders of Troy and very nearly won the war for the Trojans.
After Achilles temporarily deserted the Greeks. Hector stormed the Greek camp, wounded Odysseus, and threatened to burn the Greek fleet until Agamemnon rallied his troops and repelled the Trojans.
Later, with Apollo's help, Hector killed his best friend the great Greek warrior Patroclos and stole his armor which really belonged to Achilles.
Enraged at the death of his friend Achilles reconciled with Agamemnon and joined the other Greeks in fighting against the Trojans in order to pursue Hector.
As the Greeks stormed the Trojan castle Hector came out to meet Achilles in single combat wearing the fateful armor of Achilles, taken off the body of Patroclus. Achilles armed and shot his spear into a small gap in the neck killing Hector.
The Trojan War is significantly described by Homer and we are very lucky to have such beautiful mosaics discovered for all to admire!
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