London, known as Londinium during the Roman era, was established around AD 47–50 following the Roman conquest of Britain. Over the centuries, the remnants of this ancient city have been buried beneath modern London. Excavations have provided valuable insights into the lives of its inhabitants, their architecture, and their culture. This article explores the history of archaeological discoveries that have unveiled Roman London’s past.

Early Discoveries

The first recorded discoveries of Roman remains in London date back to the 17th century when antiquarians noticed traces of Roman walls and structures. However, systematic excavations did not begin until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when development projects uncovered Roman roads, buildings, and artifacts.

Major Excavations in the 20th Century

One of the most significant periods of Roman excavation occurred after World War II. The extensive bomb damage to London provided an unprecedented opportunity for archaeologists to explore sites that had previously been inaccessible. Key findings from this period include:

• The Roman Forum and Basilica – Discovered near Leadenhall Market, these structures were the administrative and commercial heart of Londinium.

• The Mithraeum – Unearthed in 1954, this temple dedicated to the god Mithras is one of the most famous Roman discoveries in London. It was later reconstructed and is now displayed at the Bloomberg headquarters.

• Roman Walls and Fortifications – Sections of the original Roman walls, built around AD 200, have been found throughout the city and still stand as historical landmarks. shutdown123