English 
Spanish 
3 min read 
0 comments 
2.000-year-old Roman basilica found in London in exceptional condition
Deep beneath London's bustling streets, archaeologists have discovered the city's first Roman basilica, dating back nearly 2.000 years. The find, made beneath a modern office block, has revealed a structure that was a key part of the development from Londinium, the Roman settlement that gave rise to the British capital.
Built shortly after the Roman conquest of Britain, the basilica served as the city's political, social and commercial center. With dimensions similar to a football pitch, its grandeur represented Rome's power in the region.
According to Sophie Jackson, development director at MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), this is one of the most important discoveries made in the city in recent years.
- Elon Musk's Internet with free access: free access to Starlink has a start date; check if your cell phone is on the list
- Brazil carries out first successful tests of direct connection between satellite and cell phone with support from Anatel and Claro
- New technology allows you to listen to music without headphones and without disturbing anyone around you
- AMOLED Technology: How This Innovation Is Improving Screen Quality
The suspicion about the existence of this structure was long-standing, but what surprised researchers was the state of preservation of the ruins. According to Jackson, the conservation levels were above expectations, with indications that the most important part of the building had been found.
The administrative heart of Londinium
The forum and basilica formed the administrative heart of the city. It was here that citizens sought to resolve disputes, merchants closed deals, and local authorities made decisions that affected not only London but other parts of the Roman province.
Excavations have revealed foundations made of flint, limestone and Roman tiles. Some of these structures are up to 10 meters long, indicating that they were part of the Roman court, a kind of elevated platform used to proclaim laws and conduct trials.
This space was where laws were made, deals were made and, in some ways, the history of London was shaped. Jackson explained to the BBC that the court functioned as a public chamber, where important decisions, both economic and legal, were made.
The two-story basilica offered a sweeping view of the markets, public festivals, and civic events that took place in the forum.
Despite its grandeur, it was not enough to meet the city's growing demand. In less than 20 years, it was replaced by an even larger structure.
The discovery and future of the ruins
The excavation was carried out during an archaeological investigation prior to a redevelopment project at 85 Gracechurch Street, an area close to the famous Leadenhall Market.
The company responsible, Hertshten Properties, planned to rebuild the office building, but decided to adapt the plans to preserve the ruins.
According to James Taylor, an architect at Woods Bagot, seeing people interact with the ruins, walking through a public hall and climbing down to see the ancient structures, will be an incredible experience. The company is helping to preserve and display the site.
The idea is to create an exhibition space open to the public, in partnership with MOLA and the Museum of London. Visitors will be able to see the Roman foundations up close and understand what daily life was like in London two thousand years ago.
A window to the past
The discovery sheds new light on the Roman occupation of Britain. Londinium was founded shortly after the invasion of AD 43, quickly becoming a vital centre of trade and administration. The basilica and forum were symbols of this rapid growth.
In addition to the foundations and walls, archaeologists hope to find more artifacts that reveal details of daily life at the time. Objects such as coins, ceramics and inscriptions can help to better understand how the Romans organized life in the city.
Excavations will continue through 2025. The archaeologists’ careful work aims to preserve this direct link to the past as London continues its course in the present.
London's first Roman basilica, now revealed after centuries beneath the city's surface, brings to light the city's complex and dynamic history, where ancient and modern continue to meet with each new discovery.
With information from IE.
