...

This Valentine’s Day, The Sussex Archaeological Society is offering the chance to surprise your beloved with the god of love himself – by adopting a piece of the Cupid on a Dolphin mosaic at Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens.

Lovers can adopt a “pet” tessera – an individual piece in the iconic mosaic, which is one of the finest examples in the collection at the Palace and shows Cupid, the god of desire and erotic love, playfully riding a dolphin with his trident in hand.

Owned and cared for by the Sussex Archaeological Society, Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens was once the grandest Roman Palace in northern Europe, with an incredible display of stunning mosaics which date back to about AD75-80. Visitors can stroll around the recreated Roman gardens – the earliest Roman gardens found anywhere in the country – and enjoy the largest collection of mosaics in situ in the UK.

Melanie Marsh, property manager at Fishbourne Roman Palace, said: “The Romans’ thirst for expansion and political dominance through war and bloodshed is well known, but their time in Britain was largely one of peace, trade and prosperity – as can be seen with the finds at Fishbourne.

“As custodians of the largest Roman villa in the country, we see it as our role to educate future generations of the love and affection that these so-called invaders had for Britain.

“So, if you have a loved one who admires the Romans as much as we do, then why not consider adopting a part of Cupid in their name. Unlike flowers and chocolate, this is a gift that will stand the test of time.”

Adopting a part of Cupid costs £50 while an individual tessera costs £20. Recipients will receive a photo or postcard of their piece of the mosaic alongside a message of thanks.

To select and adopt a tessera, contact the team at Fishbourne directly on 01243 785859 or email adminfish@sussexpast.co.uk.

Adoptions will help the Society continue its ground-breaking research and help preserve its diverse historic sites across the county. As well as Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, the Society looks after Lewes Castle and Museum and Michelham Priory House & Gardens, as well as the Long Man of Wilmington – Europe’s largest portrayal of the human form and the guardian of the South Downs.