When archaeologists were called 85 Gracechchch Street, a commercial building in downtown London, suspected that an old Roman basilica could be under the building, but were not sure how much (if it is one) of the structure survived. It seemed likely that subsequent occupation destroyed a lot or the entire structure. However, “nothing could have prepared for what we would find,” Scientists write.
Some trial trenches dug to see if something still survived. Just below the commercial building, they found mass bases and walls of flint, rag stone and Roman tiles. In some areas, they had more than 10 m long, 1 m wide and 4 m deep.
“It was clear that significant parts of the basilica were still below 85 Gracechchch Street,” writes the team of the London Archeology Museum (Mola) that investigated the site.
Roman London
Roman of Great Britain The story began in 43 AD When Emperor Claudio ordered the invasion of Great Britain. The Romans quickly established control over much of the island, integrating it into their vast empire as the province of Britannia. They built roads, strong and cities, introducing new technologies, governance and culture that would leave a lasting impact on the development of England. One of the most important Roman settlements was Londinium, Modern London, which established around 47-50 AD along the Thames river.
Londinium quickly became the most important city of the Roman Britain, with a bustling port, a large forum and even an amphitheater for public entertainment. In the second century DC, it had become a prosperous metropolis, home with tens of thousands of people.
Although the Roman domain in Great Britain ended in 410 AD, left numerous infrastructure elements that are now rediscovering, like this impressive basilica.
The Basilica was originally built in AD70 and was different from any other building in Britain at that time. He covered almost 2 hectares of land, which made it bigger than the current London cathedral!
Another type of basilica
Despite its name, the Basilica was not destined for religious purposes. A Roman Basilica was a great public building used for administrative, legal and commercial activities. Usually, with a rectangular design with columns and a central hall (ship), it served as a court, meeting place and market, influencing the design of later Christian churches.
For the Romans, it served with the forum as a political, judicial, commercial and even social center for residents. People would meet for public and community activities, including markets, festivals and public ads. It was a strong symbol of Roman power and authority.
“This is one of the most important discoveries made in the city in recent years. It is like discovering the chair and chamber of the speaker of the House of the Commons, 2,000 years in the future. The basilica preservation levels have far exceeded our expectations, and we possibly have the most important part of the building. ”
“Emotionally, we just scratched the surface of the potential of this site through our initial research. We hope to discover more about these remains, work with the owners of the site, the London Museum and the London City Corporation to develop an archaeological experience and public space truly unique and captivating, “said Sophie Jackson, director of Development of Mola.
A future for the Roman Basilica
The plans of the people who have the building in 85 Gracechurch Street have now changed. The basilica will open to the public, with a public exhibition, space of events and immersive experience. The Mola is working with architects to create a public space that rival the original basilica.
This is one of the various pieces of Roman history recently discovered under the streets of London. Now an amphitheater is exhibited in the Guildhall Art Gallery, while in the Bloomberg offices, people can now visit the Mitra temple.
“The fact that Roman London is under your feet is, frankly, a quite remarkable emotion to experiment,” said Chris Hayward from the local municipality, adding that he expects more people to experience the link between the past and the present.
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