Unveiling History: Astonishing 2,000-Year-Old Roman Structure Discovered Beneath Central London

Exciting news from London! Researchers have found a 2,000-year-old structure that was once the center of ancient life in the city. This important discovery highlights London’s rich history and offers a glimpse into its past.

The Museum of London Archaeology has shared that they recently uncovered the city’s first Roman basilica, dating back to around 70-80 AD. The remnants were located beneath a commercial building close to Leadenhall Market, with walls and foundations made from materials like flint, ragstone, and Roman tile. Some pieces of the basilica are impressively large, measuring over 32 feet long, 3 feet wide, and 13 feet deep.

Even though archaeologists had long known the basilica was in the area, it wasn’t clear how much of it remained until they got approval to dig in October 2023.

One of the project leaders, Sophie Jackson, described the find as one of London’s most significant archaeological discoveries in recent years. She compared it to finding a modern political landmark, like the speaker’s chair in the House of Commons.

So, why is this basilica special? Beyond its age, the walls found might be part of a section known as the tribunal. This area featured a raised platform where important decisions about the city were made.

With this discovery, Hertshten Properties, the owner of the site, has plans to update the commercial building while preserving these ancient remains. The goal is to create a new exhibition space that lets visitors experience what early Roman London was like. This project will also work with the London Museum to educate the public about the significance of this site.

This new exhibition will allow people to literally stand where important historical events took place in Roman London. The plans for the site are expected to be submitted by spring.

But what exactly was a Roman basilica? In ancient Rome, a basilica served many functions, acting as a place for courtrooms, marketplaces, and social gatherings. It was often located near the forum, which was the heart of public life in the city, encompassing political, judicial, commercial, and social activities.

London’s Roman Forum was likely positioned on elevated ground and stretched roughly the length of a soccer field, about 110 to 120 yards. It’s believed that the basilica could have stood more than two stories tall, making it a prominent feature of the city’s landscape.