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In the middle of the first century AD, Britain became part of the Roman Empire. The invasion, conquest and occupation which began in AD 43 was a programme of territorial expansion and economic exploitation. To this end, the incoming Romans settled in both town and country. In rural Britain their settlements were based on the villa which was a farming unit. The house at its centre indicated the owner's wealth, usually the result of agricultural enterprise achieved under the benevolent influence of Roman peace.
Of the many villas that were built in Roman Britain, one of the most extensive lies buried in the small Cotswold village of Woodchester. Preserved beneath the soil of the ancient churchyard is the largest and finest Orpheus pavement yet found in Northern Europe. It is a supreme example of Roman mosaic art.