In brief
The foundations of a significant Roman basilica have been discovered beneath a London office building, dating back roughly 2,000 years. This landmark was once central to administrative activities in ancient London and offers insight into the city's Roman heritage.
Archaeologists have made a remarkable find beneath the bustling streets of London, uncovering the ancient remains of a basilica that once served as the city’s first public building during the Roman period. The discovery occurred beneath the basement of a commercial structure in the financial district, where the excavation team stumbled upon what are believed to be 2,000-year-old foundations integral to London's early civic life.Developed within the city's Roman forum, the basilica was described by Sophie Jackson, a director at the Museum of London Archaeology, as “effectively the first town hall.” The excavation began over the summer, coinciding with plans to demolish the current building and pave the way for a new 32-story office tower.According to the museum's report, the archaeologists unearthed substantial remnants consisting of flint, ragstone, and Roman tiles. These structures vary in size, with some exceeding 33 feet in length, 3 feet in width, and 13 feet in depth. Jackson expressed that the basilica must have towered as London’s largest structure of its time, standing three stories tall atop an elevated site. It likely served not only as a place for community governance but perhaps also as a storage site for monetary resources.Additionally, archaeologists identified a particular area within the basilica designated for judicial proceedings, known as the tribunal. This space allowed magistrates to deliberate and make vital government decisions in an elevated setting, highlighting the basilica’s role in the legal and administrative realms of ancient Roman society. The unearthing of this historic site provides a unique glimpse into London's ancient past and its Roman legacy.
