young woman's coffin was robbed in antiquity, the other remained in situ and undisturbed, and is now on display at the site. Art and artefacts The Victory Gem Discovered during the initial excavations by G.W. Meates, the Victory Gem is a "Roman cornelian intaglio". Cornelian intaglios like this were normally set in rings, and based on its size, it is thought that its ring was large. Measuring 23 by 19 by 5 mm, it is one of the largest gems ever found in Britain. Considering the potential size of the ring and other remnants of precious metals on the gem, such as gold, Martin Henig suggests that the ring was once owned by a man that held both high status and wealth. The gem depicts personified Victory writing a message of triumph on a shield. It is thought that the gem has Greek characteristics as the artwork depicts elements of the goddesses Nike and Aphrodite. Busts The two marble busts found in the Basement Room are thought to represent Pertinax, governor in 185–186 AD, and his father, Publius Helvius Successus. Some scholars suggest that these two busts provide insight into who occupied the villa in at least the 2nd century. One of the busts is thought to date to the Hadrianic period. Though they are both quite well preserved, the second, and larger of the busts was more damaged when it was found during the initial excavations. According to excavation reports, it is not entirely certain why they were placed in the Basement Room. It was noted, however, that after the period of abandonment, those who reoccupied the villa may have decided to keep them for their own purposes. References External links English Heritage site Roman villas in Kent Buildings and structures in Sevenoaks District Museums in Sevenoaks District Museums of ancient Rome in the United Kingdom Archaeological museums in England History museums in Kent Christian buildings and structures in the Roman Empire Christianity in Roman Britain Roman religious sites in England Houses completed in the 1st century Houses completed in the 4th century 4th-century Christianity English Heritage sites in Kent Tourist attractions in Kent 1st-century establishments in Roman Britain 5th-century disestablishments in Roman Britain