The “heart of the Roman London” comes to light after 2,000 years hidden under an office building

Under the basement of an office building in the financial center of the British capital, an archaeological discovery has brought to light one of the most important pieces in Roman history in London. And it is that an archeology team has found a significant section of Londinium’s first basilicathe name that the Romans gave to the city, a construction of approximately 2,000 years old that played a crucial role in the administration and trade of the city during the Roman occupation.

Sophie Jackson, Del London Archeology Museum (Mola)highlighted the importance of the finding, saying that “this is very significant, this It is the heart of Roman London. This building It will tell us a lot about the origins From London, why he grew up and why she was chosen as the capital of Britania. It is simply amazing.

The remains of the basilica were discovered at number 85 of Gracechchch Streetin a property that is about to be demolished for the Construction of a new skyscraper. The previous investigations had already suggested the possible location of the structure, so the archaeologists carried out exploratory excavations that finally found the vestiges in their third attempt, when between filing and desks, they found a huge fragment of Roman masonry surprisingly well preserved.

«You can see A large piece of Roman masonryand it is incredible that you have survived in these conditions. We are very excited, ”said Jackson. The structure, built with limestone from the town of Kent, formed The base of a two -and -a -height building. “It is a testimony of Roman engineering and the importance of Londinium at that time,” added the archaeologist.

The forum and the basilica were the political, social and economic nucleus of the Roman city. “It was the place where people came to do business, resolve legal disputes, dictate laws and make decisions that not only affected London, but all Britain,” said the expert. The basilica measured approximately 40 meters long, 20 meters wide and 12 meters highwhich made it an imposing symbol of Roman power in the region.

The estimates indicate that the first basilica and its forum were built around the year 80 DC., pocas décadas después de la invasión romana de Britania en el 43 dC Sin embargo, este complejo It was only in use for approximately twenty years before being replaced by a larger forum, which suggests a accelerated city growth In that period. «The fact that the original basilica has been replaced in such a short time tells us about a vertiginous expansion and the Roman ambition of Londinium convert into a nerve center of the empire”Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, responsible for the Public Impact area in Mola, commented on his part.

The finding has forced the owners of the building, Hethten Properties, to rethink their construction project. At the moment, adjustments have already been made in the design of the new property to preserve and exhibit the ruins. “The scheme has been completely modified,” said James Taylor, Woods Bagot architect, in charge of the project. “Column positions have been changed so as not to destroy these special stones and the height of the building has been reduced to minimize the alteration of the archaeological site.” The company plans to integrate the ruins into the structure of the new buildingso that not only its conservation is ensured, but the public can observe them.

Windows to the past

This discovery adds to other important Roman vestiges that have come to light in the heart of London in recent years. For example, A Roman amphitheater can be seen under the glass floor of the Guildhall Art Galleryand THE MITRA TEMPLE It has been restored with light and sound effects at the Bloomberg headquarters. “We have these little windows to the Roman London throughout the city,” said Henderson-Schwartz. «But this is really, in a way, The site that connects them to all. This is the heart of Rome in London, where all decisions were made ».

Chris Hayward, from the City of London Corporation, emphasized the importance of preserving this legacy. «The fact that the Roman London is just under our feet is an incredible emotion. We can see what the city was like in those times and compare it with the current skyscrapers. It is progress, but combined with conservation, ”he said.

From the archeology team they expect the site to reveal more objects and structures as the excavations continue. Among the preliminary findings is A roof tile with the seal of a Londinium officerwhich suggests that the building had an official character. “These small details allow us Possibly, let’s have the most important part of the building».

«The most exciting thing is that we have barely started exploring the true potential of this site with our initial research. We hope to discover much more about these remains, ”he concluded.