London by Yiannis Haniotakis

The ruins of the oldest Roman basilica in London were discovered under a office building, with archaeologists describing it as one of the most important archaeological discoveries of recent years in the British capital.

Basilica dates back to 70 and 80 AD, just decades after the Roman invasion of Britain, and was in an elevated part of the city. It was an extensive open space, the size of a football field, surrounded by shops and other buildings. In addition to being a commercial and social center, it also served as a town hall, where critical political and judicial decisions were made.

The excavations have already revealed sections of stone walls that were the foundations of Basilica, which is estimated to have two and a half floors. The space, expected to open to the public, offers valuable knowledge of early London history.

Describing the findings as “one of the most important discoveries made in the city in recent years”, Sophie Jackson, director of Development at the London Archeology Museum, said: “It’s like discovering the chair of the President and the House of Commons in 2,000 years from now. Basil’s state has far exceeded our expectations, and we may have the most important part of the building“

The ruins were discovered in 2023 as part of the redevelopment of an office building on Gretscherts Street, next to the entrance to the historic Ledenhol market in the heart of City, London. The archaeologists have long been aware of Basilica’s position, but were amazed when they found foundations and walls of fiber, rocks and Roman tiles.

The Roman basilica were large public buildings in ancient Rome, which were used for administrative, commercial and judicial purposes. They were not religious, such as the ecclesiastical basilicas that followed later.