Archaeologists conducting a survey at the Attingham Estate in Shropshire, England, have uncovered evidence of two previously unknown ancient Roman villas buried underground.

The estate, spanning 1,600 hectares and managed by the National Trust, hosted a pioneering geophysical survey, the largest ever undertaken by the trust.

This non-invasive scanning revealed several archaeological features, including what appear to be Roman villas and a roadside cemetery, Newsweek has reported.

The discoveries shed new light on the area’s historical significance, situated near the ancient Roman city of Wroxeter, once comparable in size to Pompeii.

Written by B.C. Begley