Uncovering the Ancient Heart of London: Roman Basilica Emerges from Future Skyscraper Site
In the bustling heart of London’s financial district, where towering skyscrapers rise amidst the remnants of the past, a remarkable discovery has been unearthed that sheds new light on the city’s ancient origins. Archaeologists excavating the site of a planned 32-story office tower have stumbled upon the ruins of a Roman basilica, a grand structure dating back nearly 2,000 years.
A Buried Treasure from Londinium
Londinium, as London was known during Roman times, flourished as a bustling metropolis where trade, governance, and social life intertwined within its vibrant urban tapestry. At the heart of this ancient city stood the forum, a public square that served as a hub for commerce, politics, and social gatherings.
The unearthed basilica, dating to the reign of Emperor Vespasian between 78 and 84 A.D., was a pivotal feature of this forum. Its vast two-story structure, comparable in size to an Olympic swimming pool, once echoed with the hustle and bustle of Roman life.
Exploring the Forum
Excavations beneath the basement of a building slated for demolition have revealed remnants of the basilica’s foundation, including massive flint, brick, and ragstone walls that once supported the towering edifice. These walls, an impressive 13 feet deep and over three feet wide, showcase the architectural prowess of the Roman Empire.
Archaeologists believe that the basilica served multiple functions within the forum. It likely housed shops, where merchants hawked their wares, and a central marketplace where citizens could mingle and exchange goods. The presence of a tribunal, an area where officials adjudicated legal disputes and governed the city, suggests that the basilica was also a center of civic life.
A Window into Roman Society
The uncovered ruins offer tantalizing glimpses into the lives of Roman Londoners. The basilica’s vast size and intricate design attest to the importance of urban planning and civic architecture in Roman society. The discovery of stone fragments with fragments of Latin inscriptions may further illuminate the intricacies of Roman governance in Londinium.
Preserving the Past
In a testament to the UK’s commitment to preserving its archaeological heritage, the developer of the site, Hertshten Properties, has pledged to incorporate the basilica ruins into a visitor center within the planned office tower. As Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, head of public impact at Museum of London Archaeology, remarked, "We do have these little windows into Roman London that are all over the city. But this is really, in some ways, the site that connects them all together."
Ongoing Investigations
Further excavations are planned to unravel the secrets of the forum and the basilica. Archaeologists hope to uncover more information about the original forum’s layout, its subsequent replacement with a larger structure, and the daily lives of Roman Londoners who frequented these spaces.
The discovery of the Roman basilica in London’s financial district is a testament to the city’s rich and layered history. It serves as a reminder that even beneath the soaring skyscrapers of modern times, the echoes of ancient civilizations can still be heard. As the excavation continues, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding story of Londinium’s Roman past.
