Archaeologists working on a site on Southwark Street have discovered the largest Roman mosaic to be found in London for over 50 years. Experts believe that the mosaic was the floor of a dining room, and dates from AD 175-225.
Speaking on the discovery, site supervisor Antionetta Lerz said: “this is a once-in-a-lifetime find in London. It has been a privilege to work on such a large site where the Roman archaeology is largely undisturbed by later activity – when the first flashes of colour started to emerge through the soil everyone on site was very excited.”
The discovery was made last month on a plot of land owned by Transport for London. The site has been long been flagged as having high potential for archaeological discoveries. In 1981, archaeologists found the remains of a high-status Roman building on the eastern side of the site, and further excavations were carried out during the 1990s while Transport for London carried out work on the Jubilee Line.
It is possible that the mosaic will be put on public display before eventually being incorporated into the new development, however in the meantime it will be recorded and assessed by an expert team of conservators. Following this the mosaic will be lifted and transported off site, for more detailed conservation work to take place.
