Step back in time and discover the hidden treasures of Roman London! You might be surprised to learn that the bustling commercial center we know today actually sits atop the remains of Londinium, a vibrant Roman city. As you walk the streets of the City of London, you’re walking in the footsteps of Romans who lived and worked here 2,000 years ago.
Stepping Back to Roman Londinium
The echoes of Roman life still linger in the City of London, whispering stories of a bustling marketplace and daily routines that once unfolded on these very streets. Look closely, and you’ll find intriguing glimpses of Roman life: fragments of the city wall, the ruins of a bathhouse, and even the remnants of an amphitheatre.
Imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators battled in the arena, or the quiet hum of daily life in a Roman household. These fascinating remnants offer a tangible connection to the past, reminding us that the City of London has a rich and complex history.
Unveiling Hidden Treasures
Don’t just take our word for it, go explore for yourself!
Hidden in plain sight lies the basement of an unassuming office block. Step inside, and you’ll be transported back in time to a 2,000-year-old Roman home and bathhouse. This incredible discovery, unearthed in 1848, is so well-preserved that it feels as if archaeologists just left the site.
Want to see these amazing ruins for yourself? Join a guided tour on Saturdays (April-November) or book a private tour for your group.
Another captivating discovery awaits you at the tranquil Guildhall Art Gallery. This peaceful space once held a very different atmosphere, hosting violent gladiatorial contests and public executions. This remarkable Roman amphitheatre was unearthed during the construction of the gallery in 1988.
Step beneath the gallery to see the amphitheatre’s remains, including the entrance tunnel, east gate, and arena walls. The extent of the outer wall is marked in Guildhall Yard, providing a visual clue to the amphitheatre’s grandeur.
Tracing the City Walls
As Londinium grew, so did its need for protection. Between AD 190 and AD 225, the Romans undertook an ambitious project: building a two-mile-long protective ring around the city – the city wall.
Today, remnants of this impressive wall still stand, whispering tales of Londinium’s past. You can see a well-preserved section of the wall at Tower Hill, showcasing the classic Roman construction of squared stone blocks and red tiles.
Another fascinating section of the wall is located on Vine Street. Once buried beneath office buildings, this subterranean chunk of the city wall and bastion tower is now visible through large windows at street level. Since summer 2023, you can even step inside to see them up close!
Don’t forget to explore the many historical objects on display – these artifacts, unearthed by archaeologists, provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who built and lived within the city walls.
The London Stone and the Temple of Mithras
Journey to the heart of London at 111 Cannon Street to see the London Stone, one of the capital’s most ancient landmarks. Legend says that if the stone is ever moved, London’s future will be in jeopardy. Fortunately, the stone is safe and sound, housed in a glass-fronted enclosure.
Beneath the Bloomberg headquarters lies a hidden treasure: a reconstruction of an ancient Roman temple, the Temple of Mithras. This remarkable temple, discovered in 1954, was built in the 3rd century AD and uncovered along with a wealth of artifacts, including jewellery, pottery, and writing tablets.
Experience this fascinating find for yourself at London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE – an immersive, multi-sensory experience that brings the Temple of Mithras to life. It’s free to visit, but booking is required.
Unveiling Roman Life at All Hallows by the Tower
Step into the Crypt Museum at All Hallows by the Tower, one of the oldest churches in the City of London, and you’ll uncover fragments of a Roman tessellated floor and plastered wall. These remains offer a glimpse into the domestic life of Romans in the 2nd century.
A collection of Roman artifacts and a model of Londinium shed further light on how everyday Romans lived, worked, and socialized. The story continues beyond Roman times as you discover Anglo-Saxon crosses found in the churchyard, a church plate, and ancient registers dating back to the 16th century.
For another fascinating glimpse into Roman London, visit the crypt at St Bride’s Church. Here you’ll find the remains of a Roman pavement dating back to around AD 180. The crypt museum displays a collection of Roman artifacts discovered on the site, offering a window into the city’s past.
When the Romans invaded Britain in AD 43, they established Londinium and dug a ditch just outside the city walls, on the site of what is now St Bride’s Church. The purpose of this ditch remains unclear, but a building was constructed on this site, including the area of pavement still visible today. This building may have been connected to one of the earliest places of worship.
Discover the fascinating history of Roman London by exploring these hidden treasures. From ancient ruins to unearthed artifacts, you’ll find intriguing glimpses of a bustling city that lived and thrived long before modern London emerged. So, step back in time and rediscover the captivating story of Roman London!
