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It turned out to be the oldest known Roman basilica in London. The ruins of the two-story structure were literally hidden beneath the foundations in the City of London, at the site of a planned 32-story skyscraper. Construction workers discovered it and called in archaeologists for an assessment.
What Did Researchers Discover?
The basilica, uncovered in the heart of the financial district at 85 Gracechurch Street, is a remarkable remnant of the city’s Roman past. It once stood at the center of Londinium, the bustling trade hub of Roman Britain, founded around 47 AD. Archaeologists believe the basilica was built between 78 and 84 AD, just a few decades after the Romans invaded Britain and two decades after the major uprising led by Queen Boudica against Roman rule.
The basilica was a key feature of the Roman forum—a vibrant center for social, political, and commercial life. Citizens gathered there to shop, socialize, seek justice, and hear announcements from political leaders.
Archaeologists unearthed large foundation fragments and massive walls of flint, brick, and sandstone, some reaching depths of up to four meters. The team estimates the basilica was roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool, the Independent reports.
“We have these little windows into Roman London scattered throughout the city. But this, in a sense, is a place that brings them all together. It’s the heart of Rome in London, where all decisions were made,” said Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, a public relations specialist at the Museum of London Archaeology.
The developer, who owns the site and has permission to construct a new office tower, has agreed to incorporate the ruins into the building plans and later display them for public viewing.
British developers often consult archaeologists before starting construction. That practice has helped uncover numerous artifacts over the years, ranging from Saxon jewelry to skeletons of 14th-century plague victims and medieval skates.
