London's 'Lasagne' of History: Uncovering the City's Roman Past
London, a city that never sleeps, is also a treasure trove of historical discoveries, especially when it comes to its Roman past. For TV presenter and academic Prof. Alice Roberts, archaeology in the capital is akin to uncovering layers of a famous Italian dish, a metaphor that perfectly captures the city's rich and layered history.
The constant development of London means that new archaeological finds are regularly unearthed as buildings give way to new projects. This ongoing process provides archaeologists with a unique opportunity to glimpse into the earth's past, revealing a fascinating tapestry of London's history.
In recent years, remarkable discoveries have been made, including what is believed to be London's earliest theatre, the city's first basilica, and a rare mausoleum near the Shard, along with a luxurious Roman villa. One of the most intriguing finds, however, is a series of 20 colorful frescoes, smashed into 10,000 pieces in a Roman pit, which is featured in a new series of the BBC Two show 'Digging for Britain'.
Prof. Roberts, who fronts the programme, describes the excitement of these new discoveries as they emerge from the ground. She highlights the rarity of the pigments used in the frescoes and a unique signature on one of the pieces, believed to be the artist's signature, adding to the beauty and significance of these ancient artworks.
The dig was conducted by a team from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola). Sophie Jackson, the group's director of development, explains that the team was aware of the work taking place between two Roman roads, but the discovery of the pit and wall plaster came as a surprise. She describes the thrill of working in London, where the sites are so brilliant that it can be addictive, even for those without an archaeology degree.
Digging in the city is a unique challenge, as centuries of history are piled on top of one another, requiring archaeologists to 'undo time' and 'unpack the site in the reverse order that it happened'. Jackson also emphasizes the importance of waste, as the objects discarded by people 2,000 years ago can be among the most valuable finds.
The construction of the European headquarters for Bloomberg last decade unearthed thousands of Roman objects, including what was thought to be the UK's oldest handwritten document. Jackson attributes the site's success to its waterfront location, where the Romans regularly dumped layers of landfill from different parts of the city, providing a rich source of historical information.
These findings have led to new insights into the organization of Roman London, suggesting that it was divided into various zones or quarters, with different nationalities living in distinct areas. Jackson points out that the Gaulish tradition is found in north Southwark, while other groups can be discovered in different parts of the city.
The sites for archaeological digs are determined by planned developments, and London's historic core within the Square Mile is often the most productive for archaeologists. Jackson expresses her desire to explore areas like the site beneath Upper and Lower Thames Street on the north bank of the river, which sits above Roman waterfronts and medieval buildings, offering a wealth of archaeological treasures.
Despite the potential for exciting discoveries, there are no current plans to build a tunnel through this area. However, the Mola team recently found themselves in Wapping, where a future distribution centre revealed a 'little microcosm of a whole community'. Senior archaeologist Alex Banks describes the site, which included building foundations, a school, domestic houses, terraced houses, almshouses, and a chapel floor, as a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Tonnes of objects were found in the former cesspits and brick-lined wells of the homes, dating from Roman times to the Victorian period. These discoveries have challenged the notion that the area, once known as Sailor Town, was overcrowded and dangerous, revealing that it was home to people from all walks of life.
Banks highlights the difference between the reality of archaeology and its portrayal on TV, noting that digs can occur in a building's basement while the floors above are being demolished. He emphasizes the importance of using diggers and machinery, alongside careful recording and detailed research.
In 2024, Banks was part of a team that discovered what is thought to be the first Roman bed found in Britain during a dig at an ancient cemetery in Holborn. This rare find, dating back almost two millennia, is currently being treated and studied, offering a unique glimpse into Roman furniture.
Jackson emphasizes the key role of archaeology in connecting people with the past, providing a sense of perspective, and allowing them to touch and see the history of London, a city that has existed for 2,000 years, and where we are all part of its ongoing story.
