The rare remains were discovered in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, according to a statement from Historic England, a public body dealing with the country’s historic environment, released on Thursday.
Archaeologists were prepared to work on the project because the Iron Age and Roman remains were found at the site, but the discoveries “were much more significant than anticipated,” said historic England.
They include a circular central room with various rooms built from it, as well as a bathroom. Archaeologists believe that the large complex of buildings could have been a luxury villa, a religious sanctuary or a mixture of both.
The remains will be kept in an open public space on the new housing arrangement.
MAP Archaeological practice
“These archeological remains are a fantastic find and are far more than we have ever dreamed of discovering on this site,” said Keith Emerick, an inspector of ancient monuments in historic England. “It already gives us a better knowledge and understanding of the UK.”
This type of arrangement has not yet been discovered in Britain, and historic England said it could be the first time the remains of such a complex have been seen in the entire Roman Empire, which covered large parts of the island of Great Britain in 43 -410 AD
“This is a remarkable discovery that adds to the story of the Roman settlement in North Yorkshire,” said Karl Battersby, North Yorkshire County Council’s director of corporate affairs, business and environment.
“The work of archaeologists in North Yorkshire has already established that the buildings were designed by the highest quality architects in Northern Europe at the time and built by the finest craftsmen.”
Housing developer Keepmoat Homes has redesigned the development so that the remains sit in an open public space rather than be built.
Historic England will support additional archaeological work at the site and recommend that the remains be named a scheduled monument, which will provide protection.