In the south London borough of Southwark, construction work uncovered a Roman mausoleum containing beautiful mosaic flooring.
The “incredibly rare” discovery was confirmed by the Museum of London Archaeology as “the most intact Roman mausoleum ever to be discovered in Britain”.
Excavations turned up coins, pottery shards, and roofing tiles, as well as 80 Roman burials, likely used by the city’s wealthy elite. No burial coffins were discovered, however.
The area, near a tourist hotspot of Borough Market, London Bridge, and the Shard, London’s tallest building, has yielded Roman finds before, including another gorgeous and intact mosaic in 2018 and a Roman sarcophagus that went on display in 2017.
The mosaic was the largest ever found in London, and was decorated with geometric, floral, and columnar motifs identical to one found in the German city of Trier.
“The rediscovery of this Roman mausoleum and mosaics is a testament to the rich tapestry of our past,” said Catherine Rose, a councilor for the London Borough of Southwark.
Landsec Developers, who co-own the site, will now begin their construction plants since the excavations have been concluded. The mausoleum will be restored to the best possible condition, and put on display to the public.
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