Archaeologists unearth ancient Roman road in London after 2,000 years.

During the expansion of low carbon heating to homes in London, an ancient discovery was made during excavation.

Archaeologists unearth ancient Roman road in London after 2,000 years.
Archaeologists unearth ancient Roman road in London after 2,000 years.

Amid the initial stages of extending low carbon heating to numerous homes on Old Kent Road in London, archaeologists unearthed tangible proof of an ancient Roman road.

The construction of Waiting Street was closely linked to the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43, as stated in a Wednesday press release from the London Borough of Southwark.

Since the discovery, there is now substantial evidence to support the precise route of the ancient Roman road.

Ancient Roman road discovered in London
Excavations of Old Kent Road in London revealed a Roman route underneath the modern-day street.  (© MOLA 2024)

Traditionally, Roman roads were straight, so archaeologists believed they could locate the ancient road based on this shared characteristic.

A team of archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), working on behalf of Veolia and archaeological consultants RPS, A Tetra Tech Company, uncovered sections of a 2,000-year-old route beneath modern day Old Kent Road.

An intact section of Roman Wating Street found under the current Old Kent Road has updated the Roman road map for Southwark and revealed information about Roman construction techniques. This is a significant discovery for archaeological research in London, according to Gillian King, director of archaeology at RPS.

Archaeologist standing where ancient Roman road was found in London
The ancient road was originally built shortly after Rome's invasion of Britain in AD 43.  (© MOLA 2024)

The preservation of the ancient Roman road's distinct layers aids experts in comprehending its construction.

The road was approximately 19 feet wide and 5 feet high.

According to the press release, the construction of its foundation was completed using a solid base of gravel, sealed by two layers of chalk, and topped with another layer of compacted sand and gravel.

Roman road found in London
The ancient road discovered dates back nearly 2,000 years, according to experts.  (© MOLA 2024)

"The survival of this section of road for almost 2,000 years is astonishing, given the extensive activity that has taken place here over the past few centuries, including the construction of sewers, power cables, tramlines, and the modern road. As MOLA project manager, Dave Taylor expressed his excitement at discovering such a significant amount of Roman material remaining," the press release stated.

A sign will indicate the discovery near Old Kent Road Bridge.

by Ashlyn Messier

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