ROMAN TESSERA

200

Grey Stone, probably fine grained limestone. Possible Tessera, as identified by the finder. Rectangular stone with four flat faces meeting each other at right angles with well-defined arises; another face was similar but is either chipped or worn, with the final face also being flat but markedly angled. If from a tessellated floor this could either form part of a plain surface, or part of a simple border for a more complex design. This is of interest in that it hints at the proximity of a thoroughly Romanised settlement. The use of large tesserae could indicate a later date; the known villas of the region have some of Britain's latest mosaic floors. Suggested date: Possibly Later Roman, 200-350.Length: 34mm, Width: 31mm, Thickness: 25.5mm, Weight: 61.09gms.