The remains of an incredibly rare Roman mausoleum, described by experts as “completely unique”, have been unearthed in central London. Archaeologists say it is the most productive preserved Roman tomb ever discovered in Britain.
According to a press release from the Museum of London Archaeology, which led the excavation, the discovery is “a stone’s throw away” from the city’s highlights, such as Borough Market and London Bridge Station. The remains discovered come with the walls and floor inside. of the structure. In the middle of the tomb is “a striking mosaic surrounded by a raised platform” where the buried would have been placed, MOLA officials said.
The entrance steps to the route have been preserved.
No coffins were found at the site, however, more than a hundred coins were excavated along pieces of metal, pottery shards and tiles. The domain around the mausoleum contained more than 80 Roman burials, which included non-public pieces such as glass beads, pottery, and a bone comb.
It is being redeveloped as The Liberty of Southwark, a complex of offices, homes and shops.
The discovery was made at the same site where last year London’s largest Roman mosaic domain in more than 50 years was excavated.
Antonietta Lerz, MOLA’s senior archaeologist, called it “a microcosm for the conversion of Roman London fortunes. “
“It offers a desirable window into living situations and living in this component of the city in Roman times,” Lerz said.
Researchers who painted on the assignment, the tomb was likely used by wealthy members of Roman society and may have simply been a kin circle tomb or a funeral club, where members would have paid a monthly fee in exchange for being buried. The archaeology team behind the discovery says further research will be carried out to accurately determine the age of the site.
A long-term public exhibition and recovery of the design and its artifacts is also planned.