Traces from the time when the metropolis on the Thames was still called Londinium: Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a representative burial complex of the Roman upper class in a building area in central London. The central decorative element of the probably once two-story building was a mosaic. Interestingly, the team found an older mosaic underneath, suggesting that the structure had been altered throughout its history.
New offices, apartments and shops are to be built in central London near London Bridge station: in addition to its importance for urban development, the construction site on the site of “The Liberty of Southwark” also turned out to be a gold mine for archaeology: probing came up initially various finds from the Roman era of the city came to light, which extended from the 1st to the 5th century AD. The highlight so far was the discovery of two large mosaics on the site last year.
Traces of a representative burial site
As the Museum of London Archeology (MOLA), commissioned with the investigation, reports, the team of archaeologists has now discovered further ancient structures there. According to the findings, it is the remains of a grave complex that was dedicated to several dead people. Many of the former building elements were probably removed and reused in the Middle Ages. However, the remaining structures indicate that it was a representative building, once possibly two stories high and supported by large pillars in the corners.
Relics of this building include the remains of the entrance staircase, basal wall structures and, most importantly, the interior flooring. It is also apparent that there were platforms on three sides of the room, which were apparently places for burials. According to the traces, they were built with a resistant and waterproof pink mortar, the so-called opus signinum.
The highlight of the finds, however, was a square mosaic in the center of the floor, which revealed another surprise when examined more closely: the archaeologists found a second mosaic directly below it, which was also uncovered. As they explain, this constellation reflects the fact that the mausoleum has been modified over the course of its existence: apparently the floor was raised and then a mosaic was inserted again.
A family grave of the upper class?
Both versions are designed in a similar way: They show a flower in the middle, which is surrounded by a pattern of concentric circles, which in turn are set in a pavement of small red tiles. Experts believe the mausoleum was used by the wealthier members of Londinium’s Roman society – perhaps it was a family tomb. “The level of preservation of the interior makes this the most intact Roman mausoleum ever discovered in Britain,” writes MOLA.
While the exact dating remains unclear, the site is believed to be later than the two large mosaics and residential structures uncovered in the earlier excavations. Apparently, in the course of urban development, the area advanced from a settlement area to a burial place, as further finds show: “In the immediate vicinity of the mausoleum, more than 80 Roman graves with personal objects such as copper bracelets, glass beads, coins, pottery and a bone comb were discovered,” reports the archaeologists.
MOLA’s Antonietta Lerz says: “This site in Southwark is a microcosm of the changing fortunes of Roman London – from the early phase, when London expanded and the area featured ornate Roman buildings, to the later Roman period, in which becomes a place where the dead are commemorated. The site offers a fascinating insight into living conditions and lifestyle in this part of the city in Roman times,” says the archaeologist.
That is why it is now also planned to preserve the traces of antiquity on site: they are to be made accessible to the public as part of the planned building complex, according to the announcement.
Source: Museum of London Archaeology