A team from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) made an extraordinary find beneath a construction site in south London- a Roman mausoleum in remarkably well-preserved condition. MOLA described it in the news release as the most intact Roman mausoleum ever discovered in the United Kingdom, with intact interior flooring and a remarkable mosaic.
The excavation also yielded a collection of 100 coins, pottery fragments, and roofing tiles. Although no coffins or human remains were found within the mausoleum itself, the surrounding area contained more than 80 Roman burials, which included artifacts like glass beads and copper bracelets.
Ruins of a mosaic floor in a Roman villa are pictured 14 August 2002 at the historic site of Tipasa.
Rare Roman Mausoleum Shed Light on the Lifestyle of People in Roman London
During the excavation of the mausoleum, archeologists made an intriguing discovery when they unearthed a second mosaic beneath the first one. This finding suggests that the floor of the mausoleum had been raised at least once while it was still in use for burials.
Antonietta Lerz, a senior archaeologist at MOLA, expressed that this remarkable find provides insights into the living conditions and lifestyle of the Roman period in this part of Southwark.
A reconstructed video of the mausoleum's interior offers a glimpse into how the tomb might have been arranged and adorned during ancient Roman times. According to ART News, it is believed that wealthier Romans would have originally been interred inside this mausoleum, highlighting its significance and status.
Catherine Rose, a councilor for the London Borough of Southwark, hailed the rediscovery of the Roman mausoleum and its mosaics as a testament to the rich historical heritage of the area.
Following the completion of the excavation, the site in Southwark will be developed for offices, stores, and homes. The mausoleum itself is set to undergo restoration and will eventually be exhibited for the public to appreciate.
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What Adorns the Well-Preserved Roman Mausoleum
The remarkably preserved remains of the mausoleum include intact walls and internal floors, Interesting Engineering reported. At the center of the tomb, there is a stunning mosaic surrounded by an elevated platform. Archaeologists speculate that these raised platforms were used for burials within the mausoleum.
Notably, a second mosaic was discovered just beneath the first one, indicating that the mausoleum may have undergone modifications during its lifetime. The two mosaics share a similar design, featuring a central flower encircled by concentric circles and composed of small red tiles, according to the statement.
As per Live Science, the remains of the structure indicate that it was a two-story building with sturdy corner buttresses. The walls of the mausoleum were likely dismantled during the medieval period for reuse elsewhere.
Inside, a raised platform made with pink mortar containing crushed pottery and brick fragments, known as "opus signinum," marked the area where burials would have been placed along three sides of the mausoleum. This discovery follows the finding of a large Roman mosaic in February 2022, and the newly excavated mausoleum will be exhibited to the public after construction is completed.
Antonietta Lerz, a senior archaeologist at MOLA, described the Southwark site as a microcosm reflecting the changing fortunes of Roman London. From its early phase of expansion with lavishly decorated Roman buildings to its later period when the settlement contracted and became a quiet space for commemorating the deceased, the site offers valuable insights into the living conditions and lifestyle of this Roman part of the city.
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