Researchers in London recently uncovered a 2,000-year-old structure that once served as the hub of the bustling ancient city.
The Museum of London Archaeology announced last week that a team of researchers discovered remains of London’s first Roman basilica, believed to date back to the late 70s or 80s AD.
Walls and foundations made of flint, ragstone and Roman title were found underneath the basement of a commercial building near London’s Leadenhall Market. Some areas measure over 32 feet long, 3 feet wide and 13 feet deep, according to a news release.
Over the course of decades of research, archeologists were already aware of the basilica’s location, but it was unknown how much of the structure would be intact when consent to investigate the area was approved in October 2023.
“This is one of the most significant discoveries made in the city in recent years. It’s like discovering the speaker’s chair and chamber of the House of Commons, 2,000 years into the future,” Sophie Jackson, Museum of London Archaeology’s director of development, said in a news release.
Take a look at the 2,000-year-old remains
Remains of London’s first Roman Basilica uncovered near Leadenhall Market in the City of London. The structure features foundations and walls made of flint, ragstone and roman title.
Remains of London’s first Roman Basilica uncovered near Leadenhall Market in the City of London. The structure features foundations and walls made of flint, ragstone and roman title.
Remains of London’s first Roman Basilica uncovered near Leadenhall Market in the City of London. The structure features foundations and walls made of flint, ragstone and roman title.
What makes this discovery special and unique?
Aside from uncovering a 2,000-year-old artifact, the walls and foundations are thought to be within the area of the basilica known as the tribunal, according to a news release. The tribunal featured a raised stage where important officials made decisions about London’s government.
Plans to preserve, educate residents and visitors
Hertshten Properties owns the building at 85 Gracechurch St., where the remains were found under, and has intentions of updating the site, which originally included a mixed office space, to protect the surviving remains.
A rendering of the proposed exhibition space at 85 Gracechurch Street in London. The space would provide the public with the opportunity to experience what it would have been like to stand on the stage of early Roman London.
The remains will be incorporated in a new public exhibition, event space and immersive experience in collaboration with London Museum, according to a news release. The space will provide London residents and visitors with the opportunity to stand on the stage of early Roman London.
The new plans are expected to be submitted by this spring.
What was a Roman basilica?
In ancient Rome, a basilica was a large public building that included courtrooms, marketplaces and meeting halls. The basilica was a part of the larger forum, which served in London as the political, judicial, commercial and social hub of the city.
An example of activities taking place at the Leicester Roman forum, which would have had a similar shape to the first London forum.
London’s Roman Forum was situated on a high point and spanned the length of a soccer field − 110 and 120 yards, according to a news release. The basilica is believed to have sat more than two stories tall.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Video shows discovery of 2,000-year-old Roman basilica in London