Archaeologists excavating the site of London's planned 32-storey skyscrapers have revealed the ruins of the Roman Cathedral, which lasted nearly two,000 years.
According to the Associated Press, an ancient cathedral was built between 78 and 84 AD, in the heart of the city then known as the Londinium.
While scientists explored the basement of a building that is scheduled to be demolished for upcoming office towers, they were about the same size as the Olympic swimming pool and served as the foundation of a two-storey building. I unearthed something.
They discovered flint, brick and rugston walls, and foundations that range from 13 feet deep and three feet wide, the AP reported.
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In this photo, provided by the archaeology of the London Museum, taken in the summer of 2024, is a view of some views of the walls of the Roman Cathedral, which were recently excavated during the redevelopment of the London building. (Mola via AP)
According to Sophie Jackson, the London Museum's Archaeology, the discovery marks London's long-standing “one of the most important discoveries” and the Square Mile Financial District, London's oldest quarter.
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In Roman London, the cathedral is part of the forum, where people shop, mix and hear from politicians, the AP reported.
“This is the heart of Rome in London, and all decisions have been made,” said Andrew Henderson Schwartz, director of Public Impact at the Museum of Archaeology, the London Museum.
On January 15th, 2024, I walked along the jetty along the Thames River, along with the Cathedral of St. Paul and London skyscrapers. (AFP via Henry Nichols/Getty Images)
The site is also believed to have formed part of the courtroom, the area of the forum where authorities made decisions on city governance.
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“We're talking about the early stages of London here, and that's a real sign of investment in cities, even in early childhood,” added Henderson Schwartz.
In this photo, the photo provided by Peter Marsden is a drawing of representations of London-London Cathedral in London, which was recently unearthed in a London building redevelopment project. (Peter Marsden via AP)
Further excavations have questions about the original forum and why it was replaced by a larger forum after only 20 years of use. According to the AP, you can also get a glimpse into the lives of Roman Londoners.
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The site's owner, developer Hertshten Properties, has agreed to display the ruins at the planned office tower's visitor center, the AP reported. UK property developers should consult with an archaeologist during the planning process.
“We have these little windows in London, Rome. “But this is actually a site that connects them all together in a few ways.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
