Roman finds under city streets

Entire Roman streets and around 10,000 perfectly preserved artefacts have been uncovered in the heart of the city, in what experts are calling the most important archaeological excavation to take place in London.

Live updates

Discovery gives glimpse into 'bustling Roman Londinium'

A Roman well into which a pewter hoard, coins and cow skulls were thrown as part of a ritual Credit: Museum of London Archeology

An archaeological dig in the heart of the City "will transform our understanding" of Roman London, experts claim.

An archeological dig in the heart of London has unearthed objects which 'rarely stand the test of time'.

Many structures would have eroded if it was not for the muddy water conditions Credit: Museum of London Archeology

Because of wet conditions created by the lost Walbrook River items such as clothing and structures made of wood remain to this day.

This has given experts a glimpse into life in 'bustling Roman Londinium'.

An inked Roman letter was found at the 3 acre site in the heart of London Credit: Museum of London Archeology

Advertisement

Six things you didn't know about the Roman 'treasures' hidden under London streets

  • 10,000 Roman artefacts have been discovered at the site next to the River Thames
  • 21,000 wheelbarrows of soil have been excavated by hand
  • Over 100 fragments of Roman writing tablets have been unearthed
  • This site has supplied the largest amount of Roman leather ever to be unearthed in the capital
  • The site covers over three acres
  • At its peak there were 60 archaeologists working on the site

Hidden Roman 'world' uncovered below London streets

An amber amulet in the shape of a gladiator's helmet was discovered Credit: Museum of London Archeology

Entire Roman streets and around 10,000 perfectly preserved artefacts have been uncovered in the heart of the city.

The discoveries have been preserved so well in muddy water that archaeologists have dubbed the site the 'Pompeii of the North'

A 2,000-year-old leather Roman shoe was discovered under the streets of London Credit: Museum of London Archeology
A woven basket is dicovered, the muddy waters are thought to have helped to 'perfectly preserve' the artefacts Credit: Museum of London Archeology

Lost Roman streets and thousands of 'treasures' uncovered in the centre of London

Wooden structures dating back to 40 AD were buried 40ft beneath the ground Credit: Museum of London Archeology

Entire Roman streets and around 10,000 perfectly preserved artefacts have been uncovered in the heart of the city, in what experts are calling the most important archaeological excavation to take place in London.

Experts uncovering a 2,000-year-old Roman tiled floor Credit: Museum of London Archeology

Lucky charms, coins, shoes and an amber Gladiator amulet are among the 'treasures' to have been uncovered at the site just yards away from the River Thames and next to an enormous building project for new offices in the middle of London's financial district.

A gold Roman brooch is just one of the 'treasures' discovered under the streets of London Credit: Museum of London Archeology

It is believed the incredible finds, including wooden structures dating back to 40 AD that were buried 40ft beneath the ground have been preserved in the muddy waters of the 'lost' Walbrook River.

Back to top