Archaeologists from London’s Museum of Archeology (MOLA) have discovered an “extremely rare” and well-preserved Roman mausoleum near London Bridge Central Station.
In February 2022, researchers found mosaic fragments in this area and concluded that something much larger could be hidden in the lower layers of the terrain.
His assumptions were confirmed. During the excavations, archaeologists have unearthed what they describe as “the most intact Roman mausoleum” ever found in the UK, “with an astonishing level of preservation”, according to a Ministry of Labor statement.
Archeology Museum in London
They found the walls, entrance steps, and interior ceilings of the building. The central mosaic was surrounded by a raised platform on which tombs were placed.
Underneath the mosaic, the researchers noticed something else. Their pattern was similar: a flower in the center and concentric circles around the edges.
The mausoleum was a two-story building, probably built for a wealthy Roman family. Neither sarcophagi nor human remains were found, which, according to archaeologists, were removed from there in the Middle Ages. However, 80 burial sites and a large number of ancient artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, coins, and glass beads, have been preserved at the site.
Archeology Museum in London
The site is “a microcosm of the changing fortunes of Roman London” and provides a “fascinating window” into the lives of its residents, said MOL archaeologist Antonieta Lehrs.
Museum experts have made a 3D model of the site and are working to determine the age of the mausoleum, while preparing plans for its future public display.
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