Archaeologists have discovered the foundations of a 2,000-year-old basilica beneath a commercial building in London, believed to be the first public structure of Roman London, indicating the city's rich historical significance.
Ancient Roman Basilica Unearthed in London's Financial District
Ancient Roman Basilica Unearthed in London's Financial District
Discovery reveals beginnings of London's civic life and architecture.
The excavation, conducted under a commercial building in London's financial hub, has unveiled the substantial foundations of a basilica dating back approximately 2,000 years. This significant find is credited to the Museum of London Archaeology, which describes the basilica as once being the heart of Roman London’s civic life.
Sophie Jackson, a director at the museum, stated that the basilica served as London’s early town hall and was part of the Roman forum, an area central to the community's administrative functions. The archaeologists began investigating the site after the building was given the green light for demolition, paving the way for a new 32-story commercial structure.
Among the findings are extensive foundations built with flint, ragstone, and Roman tiles, with some structural remnants extending over 33 feet in length, three feet wide, and 13 feet deep. The size and depth of these findings suggest that the basilica was a prominent three-story edifice situated atop a hill, playing a crucial role in local governance and possibly serving as a treasury.
Additionally, researchers identified a space within the basilica referred to as a tribunal, where magistrates would convene on a raised platform to adjudicate legal matters and government decisions. Jackson's insights into the excavation highlight the significance of this location in the historical narrative of London’s urban evolution.
Sophie Jackson, a director at the museum, stated that the basilica served as London’s early town hall and was part of the Roman forum, an area central to the community's administrative functions. The archaeologists began investigating the site after the building was given the green light for demolition, paving the way for a new 32-story commercial structure.
Among the findings are extensive foundations built with flint, ragstone, and Roman tiles, with some structural remnants extending over 33 feet in length, three feet wide, and 13 feet deep. The size and depth of these findings suggest that the basilica was a prominent three-story edifice situated atop a hill, playing a crucial role in local governance and possibly serving as a treasury.
Additionally, researchers identified a space within the basilica referred to as a tribunal, where magistrates would convene on a raised platform to adjudicate legal matters and government decisions. Jackson's insights into the excavation highlight the significance of this location in the historical narrative of London’s urban evolution.
