AssetID: 54526596
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Remains Of London's First Roman Basilica Discovered In City
Caption: The remains of London's first Roman Basilica have been uncovered in the middle of the City of London. The ruins were found beneath 85 Gracechurch Street, near Leadenhall Market. The discovery, made by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), once formed part of the political and commercial heart of Roman London. The Basilica, constructed during the late 70s or 80s AD under the governorship of Agricola, was the centrepiece of the Roman Forum, serving as a hub for governance, trade, and public gatherings. Situated on elevated ground, the structure once spanned an area comparable to a football pitch, with the Basilica likely standing over two storeys high. In front of it, an open courtyard would have bustled with markets and civic activity, mirroring the commercial nature of the modern City. Plans are now underway to incorporate the remains into a permanent public display as part of a redevelopment project at 85 Gracechurch Street. If approved, this would be the only publicly accessible site showcasing London's first Roman Basilica.
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