Unveiling a Hidden Relic of Ancient Rome Beneath the City of London’s Financial Hub
Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery in the heart of London’s financial district, uncovering a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman basilica. The ancient structure, which was once the beating heart of Roman London, has been hiding beneath the city streets for centuries.
London's rich history dates back to the Roman era, with archaeological evidence suggesting occupation from around 43 AD.
The Romans established a fortified settlement, known as Londinium, which became an important commercial center.
Strategically located on the River Thames, Londinium facilitated trade and communication between Britain and the rest of the empire.
Excavations have uncovered remnants of Roman buildings, including temples, forums, and amphitheaters, providing valuable insights into life in ancient London.
The excavation, led by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), began two years ago in the basement of a commercial building on Gracechurch Street. Developers working on the site were aware of its potential historical significance and consulted with specialists from MOLA to ensure that any archaeological finds were properly documented and preserved.
The discovery is considered one of the most significant in recent years, shedding new light on London’s rich history. The basilica, built around 80 C.E., was a crucial component of any sizeable Roman settlement, serving as the administrative center, law courts, and market place.
‘It’s the sort of heart of any significant Roman town,’ says Sophie Jackson, director of developer services at MOLA. ‘It’s where the big decisions are made, but it’s also a place where merchants would come and do business.’
The basilica was built on a site that was known to have formed part of the city’s forum area, ever since discoveries in the 19th century helped experts sketch out a rough plan of the earlier Roman town center. At the time of its construction, Londinium‘s future had been recently in doubt as a major settlement, after it was sacked by a revolt against Roman rule several years earlier.
Londinium was a major Roman city located in what is now London, England.
Founded by the Romans around 43 AD, it served as a significant trading center and military base.
The city's name is derived from the Latin word 'lundo', meaning 'swan.'
Londinium was an important hub for trade with the rest of Europe, with goods such as wine, olive oil, and grain being imported.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the city was abandoned after the Roman withdrawal in the 5th century AD.
However, with a population of perhaps 40,000 residents, the decision to build such a sizeable basilica represented a vote of confidence in the city’s future. ‘It was a really high building, and nobody would have seen anything like this before in Britain,’ says Jackson. ‘It was designed to impress and — perhaps — intimidate the local population.’
Roman architecture was heavily influenced by Greek and Etruscan styles, with notable examples including the Pantheon and Colosseum.
Characterized by arches, domes, and vaults, Roman structures often featured grandeur and monumental scale.
The use of concrete and brick-faced construction allowed for increased durability and stability.
Notable architects like Vitruvius and Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa contributed to the development of Roman architecture, which had a lasting impact on Western building design.
The discovery has sparked excitement among historians and archaeologists, who believe that the site holds many more secrets waiting to be uncovered. The new building’s developer, Hertshten Properties Limited, has promised to place some of the archaeological items on public display, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the city’s rich history firsthand.
As Jane Sidell, principal inspector for ancient monuments at Historic England, points out, ‘You can read all you like, you can watch Gladiator at the cinema, but when you actually physically come face to face with something that’s been there, that connection with a nearly 2,000-year-old legacy is amazing.’
The discovery of the Roman basilica serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the significance of archaeological finds in understanding our shared history. As we continue to uncover the secrets of Londinium, we are reminded of the city’s rich and fascinating past, and the many stories that still await discovery.
