The remains of a Roman mausoleum “with an astonishing level of preservation” – believed to be the most intact structure of its kind discovered in Britain – have been unearthed in London.
The “incredibly rare” find has been excavated at the The Liberty of Southwark development site, a stone’s throw from Borough Market and London Bridge station, the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) has revealed.
The excavation of the tomb follows the discovery in February last year of some of the largest Roman mosaics found in London in more than 50 years on the same site. The find includes the walls and interior floors. At its centre is a striking mosaic surrounded by a raised platform on which the burials were placed. The lowest entrance steps also survive.
The level of preservation of the interior makes this the most intact Roman mausoleum ever to be discovered in Britain, according to MOLA, which led the archeological investigations on behalf of Landsec and Transport for London (TfL) which own the site, and Southwark council.
There are plans for the future public display of the mausoleum, which underwent significant modifications. A second mosaic directly beneath the first indicates it was raised during its lifetime. The two mosaics are similar, with a central flower surrounded by concentric circles.
Although the tomb was almost completely dismantled, probably during the medieval period, the signs are it was a substantial building, perhaps two storeys high, and would have been used by wealthier Romans, possibly as a family tomb.
Though no coffins or burial remains were found, more than 100 coins, together with scrap pieces of metal, fragments of pottery and some roofing tiles were discovered. The area surrounding the mausoleum contained more than 80 Roman burials, including copper bracelets, glass beads, coins, pottery and even a bone comb.
Antonietta Lerz, senior archaeologist at MOLA, said: “This relatively small site in Southwark is a microcosm for the changing fortunes of Roman London – from the early phase of the site where London expands and the area has lavishly decorated Roman buildings, all the way through to the later Roman period when the settlement shrinks and it becomes a more quiet space where people remember their dead.
“It provides a fascinating window into the living conditions and lifestyle of this part of the city in the Roman period.”
The site is being redeveloped as The Liberty of Southwark, a complex of offices, homes and shops.
Southwark council cabinet member Catherine Rose said the council would ensure the archeological treasures would be preserved and accessible to the community for generations to come.
She said: “The rediscovery of thus Roman mausoleum and mosaics is a testament to the rich tapestry of our past.”
