The Roman House At Billingsgate: A Look At The Daily Life In Roman Britain

If you want to rank the legendary burial places in Britain that have provoked the most speculation, Boudica’s grave will easily rank in the top three. One of the most persistent hypotheses is that the legendary queen of the Iceni tribe, who defied the Roman Empire, lies under King’s Cross station. While the story is alluring, it’s likely a blend of historical misinterpretation and modern fascination. Digging into the facts, there are compelling reasons why this theory doesn’t hold much weight. To understand why, we must first look at Boudica’s revolt, its aftermath, and her lasting legacy in British history.

The Spark That Ignited The Flame: Boudica’s Revolt in 60–61 AD

The Roman occupation of Britain began in earnest in 43 AD under Emperor Claudius. While the initial conquest met with success, resentment simmered among local tribes who found themselves under Roman rule. The Iceni tribe, led by King Prasutagus, enjoyed a degree of autonomy as a client state of Rome, but this arrangement was fragile at best. Prasutagus, hoping to secure his kingdom’s future, left his wealth jointly to his daughters and the Roman emperor in his will. However, upon his death, the Romans ignored his wishes. They annexed Iceni lands, flogged Prasutagus’ widow Boudica, and raped their daughters. This egregious act of brutality triggered an uprising of remarkable proportions.

Boudica rallied not just the Iceni but also neighbouring tribes like the Trinovantes. Their shared resentment of Roman taxation, land seizures, and mistreatment fuelled a fiery rebellion. The Roman governor, Gaius Suetonius Paulinus, was preoccupied with military campaigns on the island of Mona (modern-day Anglesey) at the time, leaving southern Britain vulnerable.

Boudica’s army, which was said to number over 100,000, descended first on the Roman settlement of Camulodunum (modern Colchester). The town, home to Roman veterans and a symbol of occupation, was utterly destroyed. With their defensive walls weak and no reinforcements to aid them, the settlement’s population was slaughtered, and the Temple of Claudius, where survivors had taken refuge, was razed to the ground.

From there, Boudica marched on Londinium (modern London), which, although a fledgling town, was a vital centre for trade and governance. Suetonius, recognising the lack of available troops to defend the city, abandoned it to the advancing rebels. The ferocity of Boudica’s forces was unmatched – they torched Londinium and slaughtered its inhabitants without mercy. Archaeological evidence of this destruction can still be found today, with a thick layer of ash marking the devastation wrought by Boudica’s army.

The town of Verulamium (modern St Albans) suffered a similar fate as Boudica’s forces ravaged the province. By the end of her campaign, an estimated 70,000–80,000 Romans and Britons loyal to Rome had been killed. But this brutal success was short-lived.

Suetonius regrouped with a modest force of about 10,000 men and faced Boudica in a decisive battle, likely somewhere along Watling Street in the Midlands. Though vastly outnumbered, the Romans’ military discipline and superior tactics led to a crushing victory. Boudica’s forces, encumbered by their families and wagons, were slaughtered in a massacre that shattered the rebellion.

The Making of a Legend: Boudica as a Symbol of British Resistance

Boudica’s defeat didn’t extinguish her story; instead, it lit the flame of her legend. Her struggle against the Romans, though ultimately unsuccessful, captured the imagination of later generations, especially as the concept of a distinct British identity began to take shape.

Boudica’s transformation into a symbol of British resistance can be attributed to several factors. First, there’s the sheer audacity of her revolt. She led a massive uprising that dealt significant blows to Roman control and resulted in the sacking of some of their most critical settlements. Her leadership, especially in the face of personal and national tragedy, showcased the indomitable spirit of the Britons.

Second, she represented a strong, defiant female figure in a patriarchal society. Her story, passed down through the centuries, was later embraced by the Victorians, who saw her embodying British imperialism’s virtues – courage, resilience, and a refusal to be dominated. Queen Victoria was often likened to Boudica, with sculptures of the warrior queen gracing public spaces, including the famous statue near Westminster Bridge.

Lastly, her story tapped into a broader theme of resistance against oppression. Just as the Britons resisted Roman occupation, later generations would draw parallels to their struggles – whether it was against Norman conquerors, the Spanish Armada, or even Nazi Germany. Boudica became a touchstone for defiance and a symbol of the “underdog” standing up to a much more powerful foe.

Comparing Boudica’s Revolt to Other Roman Rivals

While remarkable, Boudica’s revolt against Rome wasn’t the first or the last time the empire faced defiance from those it sought to conquer. Comparisons to other legendary adversaries, such as Spartacus, Hannibal, Vercingetorix, and Decebalus, provide a broader context for understanding Boudica’s role in the wider historical landscape.

A Thracian gladiator, Spartacus led a slave rebellion against Rome between 73 and 71 BC. His uprising, though focused on freeing slaves rather than resisting foreign occupation, similarly showcased Rome’s vulnerability when faced with an unexpected enemy. Like Boudica, Spartacus initially found success, defeating several Roman legions, but he was eventually crushed. Both figures became symbols of resistance, though Spartacus’ fight represented a struggle against the Roman social order, while Boudica’s was a fight for national sovereignty.

The Carthaginian general Hannibal, remains one of Rome’s most formidable enemies. His bold march across the Alps during the Second Punic War and subsequent victories, including the devastating defeat of Rome at the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC, shook the Roman world. Yet, like Boudica, Hannibal was defeated, though his campaign lasted far longer. While Hannibal’s struggle was part of a broader geopolitical conflict between Rome and Carthage, both he and Boudica represent how Rome, despite its strength, could be challenged by brilliant and determined leaders.

Vercingetorix, the chieftain of the Gauls, led a rebellion against Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul in 52 BC. Like Boudica, Vercingetorix united various tribes to repel Roman invaders. His stand at Alesia is one of the most famous last stands in Roman history, but, like Boudica, he was eventually captured and defeated. Vercingetorix’s image, like Boudica’s, was later revived as a symbol of national pride – in his case, for the French.

Decebalus, the king of Dacia, fought against Rome in the Dacian Wars during the late 1st and early 2nd centuries AD. His initial success against Emperor Domitian and his resilience against Trajan’s forces make his story akin to Boudica’s. However, after being defeated, Decebalus took his own life rather than submit to Roman capture, a fate that Roman historian Dio Cassius suggested Boudica also shared.

In each case, these leaders were ultimately unsuccessful in stopping Rome’s expansion, yet they all became legendary figures whose stories lived on as symbols of resistance.

The Case Against Boudica’s Grave at King’s Cross

So where does this leave the rumour that Boudica’s grave is beneath King’s Cross station? The idea, though captivating, falls apart under scrutiny.

Roman historian Dio Cassius described Boudica’s end as a tragic but somewhat anticlimactic affair. Following her defeat at the Battle of Watling Street, Boudica is believed to have either succumbed to illness or taken her own life through poison. Dio’s account mentions that she was given a proper burial, but details are scarce, leaving much to the imagination.

The idea that she was buried near what is now King’s Cross first surfaced in the Victorian era when Boudica’s legend was at its peak. King’s Cross was an important junction of London’s expanding railway network, and the area needed a mythic touch to counterbalance the grime of industrialisation. However, there is no archaeological evidence to support this claim.

Furthermore, the proximity of King’s Cross to Londinium, the very settlement she had razed to the ground, would have made such a burial highly unlikely. The Romans were meticulous about how they treated their enemies. It’s doubtful that they would have allowed a figure as infamous as Boudica to be buried near the very heart of their provincial capital. Such a location could have become a rallying point for local resistance, a dangerous symbol of defiance against Roman rule. The Romans, ever pragmatic, would never have permitted her grave to serve as a shrine for future dissenters.

The Elusive Grave: Why We May Never Find It

Many sites associated with her final battle and death have changed drastically over the centuries. Modern development, agricultural use, and the passage of time have obliterated many clues that might have once pointed to her final resting place. The battle at Watling Street remains a matter of speculation, with historians unable to pinpoint its exact location. Some suggest it occurred near Mancetter in Warwickshire, while others argue for Paulerspury in Northamptonshire. These conflicting theories further complicate efforts to locate Boudica’s grave.

Even if we could precisely determine the battle site, finding Boudica’s burial place would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. By Roman accounts, her body was not marked with grandeur, and she was not interred in a way that would be easy to find centuries later. Unlike Roman dignitaries or wealthy Britons, whose tombs were often lavish and adorned with grave goods, Boudica was likely given a relatively modest burial. Without significant monuments or markers, time and nature would have quickly erased the site.

The tendency to romanticise her grave as lying beneath a well-known modern landmark, such as King’s Cross, reflects more about our desire for her story to resonate today than it does historical fact. Fascinated by the blend of ancient history and modern life, Londoners have long been intrigued by the idea that such a powerful symbol of resistance could be beneath their feet. But this fascination risks overshadowing the broader, more realistic possibility – that Boudica was buried somewhere nondescript, far from Londinium and Roman power.

The Roman Attitude Toward Boudica’s Legacy

The Romans were well aware of the power of symbols, especially in a province as volatile as Britain. Allowing Boudica to be buried near a prominent Roman settlement like Londinium would have been a political risk. As a leader who had humiliated the empire, her grave could have become a focus of anti-Roman sentiment. Shrines or burial sites often became places of pilgrimage, and the Romans, who were masters of control, would not have wanted to provide the Britons with a potential rallying point for future rebellion.

It’s worth considering how the Romans dealt with other famous enemies. After his defeat by Julius Caesar, Vercingetorix was paraded through Rome as a prisoner before being executed and discarded. Spartacus, after his rebellion, was likely never given a formal burial at all, with his body lost among the tens of thousands of slaves crucified along the Appian Way. Hannibal, once one of Rome’s most feared enemies, took his own life rather than be captured, and his burial site is only vaguely recorded in historical texts. The Romans had no qualms about erasing the legacies of their foes, ensuring that their deaths did not inspire further resistance. Though slightly more ambiguous, Boudica’s fate likely followed a similar pattern.

The idea that the Romans would have allowed her burial in such proximity to Londinium – a city she had devastated – seems far-fetched. More likely, her body was buried far from any significant Roman site, in an unmarked location, either by her people or under Roman orders. There is even a possibility that, following her death, the Romans desecrated her body to send a message to other rebellious tribes. This would have further reduced any chance of finding her grave today.

The Legend Lives On

Boudica’s grave may never be found; perhaps it is better that way. The mystery of her final resting place adds to the intrigue of her story, allowing her to remain a figure of myth as much as history. While her revolt against the Romans ultimately failed, her legacy has endured for millennia. Whether she lies beneath King’s Cross or somewhere far more obscure, Boudica will continue to inspire and captivate, her story a testament to the power of resistance and the enduring allure of legend.

In the end, it’s not the exact location of her grave that matters most, but what her story represents: the fierce determination of a people to stand against oppression, even in the face of overwhelming odds. And in that sense, Boudica’s spirit will live on wherever she may rest.

Have you ever visited the small, cosy Italian restaurant “Giorgo” on Lime Street? It is a great place to catch a breather and grab a bite, and a favourite stop whenever I roam central London. But what if I told you that on that very place almost two thousand years ago stood the most imposing edifice to be built in Britain for the next millennium? This must surely be an exaggeration, you would respond. And you would be wrong.

Londinium, the bustling Roman settlement that once stood where modern London thrives, was no ordinary provincial outpost. By the 2nd century AD, it was a glittering hub of commerce, culture, and Roman might. Among its most monumental structures were the basilica and forum, a complex that rivalled anything else in the Roman Empire. The basilica was more than just a building; it was a statement, a physical testament to Rome’s power. Larger than the present-day St Paul’s Cathedral, this lost gem was a striking example of Roman architecture, culture, and the unforgiving sweep of history.

The Basilica and Forum of Londinium: A Titan of Roman Britain

By the early 2nd century AD, Londinium had grown from a humble trading post into the most significant city in Roman Britain. The Roman authorities had grand plans for it, and at the heart of these ambitions stood the basilica and forum, some of the most impressive public buildings ever raised in this distant province.

The basilica, a towering structure of over 500 feet long and more than 80 feet wide, was a marvel of Roman engineering. For perspective, it dwarfs the contemporary St Paul’s Cathedral, the very emblem of modern London’s skyline. It wasn’t just the impressive size but the ambition behind it. The basilica wasn’t built for any singular purpose. In typical Roman fashion, it was a multi-functional space designed to impress, administrate, and govern.

In Roman cities, the basilica was the beating heart of civic life. Part town hall, part courthouse, and part business hub, the Londinium Basilica followed this tradition. Merchants gathered here to finalise trade deals, judges presided over trials, and officials discussed the city’s administration. Roman Britain might have been remote from the empire’s bustling heart, but with the basilica in Londinium, it had a slice of Rome itself.

But the basilica was only one half of this monumental complex. Adjoining it was the forum, a vast open space equally significant in the city’s life. The forum and basilica formed the civic and administrative centre, where politics, religion, and commerce collided. The citizens of Londinium would have flocked to this complex, their lives interwoven with the functions these buildings served.

The Forum: Londinium’s Beating Heart

The forum was the city’s nerve centre at the zenith of Londinium’s prosperity. It functioned as a public square, market, and ceremonial space all at once, its role echoing the forums in Rome itself. Lined with colonnades and surrounded by public buildings, the forum was where every aspect of Roman life came together. Traders set up their stalls, hawking goods from across the empire, soldiers on leave shared stories from distant frontiers, and politicians made speeches to the gathered crowds.

The design of the forum was pure Roman ambition. Measuring roughly 400 by 200 feet, it was one of the largest north of the Alpes. Its rectangular layout mirrored the grandeur of similar spaces in cities like Pompeii and Ephesus, providing a glimpse into what Londinium aspired to be. The forum wasn’t just functional; it was symbolic. To have such a grand space in the heart of Londinium declared the city’s importance to the empire.

At its centre stood the basilica, a massive backdrop to the bustling life of the forum. Imagine Londinium at its height in the 2nd century: the great basilica looming over a sea of merchants, officials, and citizens, its high roofline visible from far outside the city. Roman architecture was designed to awe, and the Londinium forum-basilica complex succeeded brilliantly. The sight of the sun glinting off the tiled roof, the marble columns rising against the skyline—it was Londinium’s answer to the imperial splendour of Rome.

Inside, the basilica was a hive of activity. Civil courts heard cases, merchants brokered their latest deals, and magistrates handled the city’s administration. The basilica’s interior would have been no less impressive than its exterior, with high ceilings, sweeping arches, and columns echoing Roman public spaces’ classical grandeur. It must have been a bustling place, filled with the sounds of people going about their daily business against the backdrop of this monumental setting.

The Inauspicious End: Carausius and Londinium’s Betrayal

By the end of the 3rd century AD, Londinium’s fortunes took a sharp turn. The Roman Empire was in a state of turmoil, facing external threats and internal rebellions. One such figure who rose to prominence was Marcus Aurelius Carausius, a military commander of humble origins who saw an opportunity in the empire’s fractured state.

Around AD 286, Carausius declared himself emperor of Britain and northern Gaul, essentially cutting off these territories from the Roman Empire. Londinium, being the largest city in Roman Britain, found itself in the heart of this rebellion. Under Carausius, the city thrived briefly, as his rule brought stability, even if it was at odds with the empire. He styled himself as the legitimate ruler, minting coins with his image and holding court in Londinium.

But this era of independence was short-lived. In AD 293, Carausius was assassinated by his finance minister, Allectus, who then seized power. Eager to reclaim its lost province, Rome sent forces to suppress the rebellion. In AD 296, the Roman general Constantius Chlorus (the father of Constantine the Great) launched a successful invasion, retaking Britain and ending the separatist regime.

As punishment for Londinium’s support of Carausius, the basilica was destroyed. The once proud symbol of Roman order and civilisation was reduced to rubble. What had stood as a beacon of the empire’s presence in Britain now lay in ruins, a victim of imperial wrath. It was a brutal reminder of Rome’s control, the basilica’s destruction serving as a warning to other cities that might consider rebellion.

Excavating the Ruins: A Lost Legacy

For centuries, the ruins of Londinium’s basilica lay buried beneath layers of London’s ever-growing urban sprawl. By the time London began to expand significantly in the medieval and modern periods, the once mighty basilica had been all but forgotten. Occasionally, remnants were discovered—stones and fragments of walls—but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that serious excavations began to uncover the true scale of what had once stood in the heart of Roman Londinium.

In 1881, during construction work in the City of London, builders unearthed significant remains of what was believed to be the basilica. Archaeologists quickly identified parts of the foundations, sections of the walls, and even some decorative features that hinted at the building’s former grandeur. But much of the basilica was lost. Centuries of rebuilding, expansion, and the changing course of the River Thames had eroded the basilica’s physical presence. Most of what had once been a massive structure had either been repurposed or destroyed.

The forum and basilica complex, which had once dominated Londinium, was now merely a ghost, a handful of ruins buried beneath the streets of modern London. Today, almost no visible trace remains. Some sections of the walls have been incorporated into modern buildings (one such fragment can be seen in the basement of a barber’s shop at the corner of Gracechurch Street and Leadenhall Market), and occasionally, small fragments of the basilica are found during excavations. But for the most part, the grandeur of the Roman basilica has been erased by time.

Yet its legacy endures. Every stone, every fragment that remains speaks to Londinium’s role in the Roman Empire. It was a provincial capital that dared to rival the cities of mainland Europe. The basilica and forum were symbols of that ambition, towering monuments to Roman order and civilisation. Today, as we walk the streets of modern London, it’s worth remembering that beneath our feet lies the lost gem of ancient Londinium, the basilica that once stood as a testament to the city’s Roman past.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into Roman Britain’s Ambition

The Roman Basilica of Londinium wasn’t just a building but a testament to Roman ambition in Britain. Larger than St Paul’s Cathedral, it symbolised the importance of Londinium within the empire. The forum, with its markets and public spaces, was the heartbeat of the city, a place where commerce, politics, and daily life flourished. But like many symbols of power, the basilica met a tragic end, destroyed as punishment for Londinium’s support of a renegade emperor. Today, almost nothing remains, but the legacy of this lost gem still lingers, offering a tantalising glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Londinium.

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase Caesar in Britain? Most casual people would probably answer the hilarious movies about Asterix and Obelix. History aficionados will likely discuss Caesar’s abortive attacks on the island – one of his few strategic errors during the Gallic campaigns.

However, an unforeseen consequence of his reconnaissance in 55-54 BC (for it hardly merits another title) is the headstrong insistence of local antiquarians to call too many things vaguely related to Roman history “Caesar’s”. Unfortunately, the Iron Age hill fort does not escape this fate. However, archaeology proves it is much older, and Caesar himself told us in De Bello Galico that he ventured nowhere near London.

An Iron Age Fort Overlooking London

The Iron Age hill fort on Wimbledon Common might not be as well-known as some of the UK’s more famous ancient sites, but its significance is undeniable. Situated in southwest London, on a natural ridge that rises to around 57 metres, the fort offers panoramic views that would have made it a strategic location in its heyday. It covers approximately 11 acres, making it one of the larger hill forts in southern Britain, though places like Maiden Castle in Dorset dwarf it.

Archaeologists date the fort to the late Iron Age, around 700-100 BC when these hill forts were built across Britain. Hill forts were often used as defensive positions but also functioned as social, economic, and political centres for the tribes living there. The Wimbledon hill fort would have served a similar purpose for the people who inhabited this region long before the Romans arrived.

Excavations have uncovered traces of ditches and ramparts, as well as the defensive earthworks surrounding the fort, typical of Iron Age fortifications. The remains suggest a double-banked enclosure with a ditch between the two banks. However, the hill fort has suffered from natural erosion and human interference over the centuries, leaving only faint traces visible to the naked eye today. Walkers on Wimbledon Common might pass it by without even noticing they’re treading on ancient ground.

Fragments of pottery and other small artefacts recovered from the site give us a glimpse into the people’s daily lives. These finds indicate trade links with other parts of Britain and possibly even continental Europe, showing that the inhabitants connected more with the broader world than expected from a hilltop settlement.

Caesar’s Camp: The Misleading Name

Despite its genuine ancient origins, the hill fort is often confused with Caesar’s Camp, a name that pops up frequently in local history and folklore. This is where the real historical detective work begins, as the idea that Julius Caesar was somehow involved with this site is pure fantasy. Caesar’s Camp is a misnomer applied to several ancient earthworks across the UK, and the one at Wimbledon is no exception.

Julius Caesar did invade Britain in 55 and 54 BC, but his campaign was brief and did not take him anywhere near Wimbledon. Caesar’s two attempts to subdue Britain were relatively limited in scope, and he never ventured far from the southeastern coast. His first expedition in 55 BC was a reconnaissance mission of sorts, and after landing near modern-day Deal, he spent only a few weeks in the country before heading back to Gaul.

His second invasion in 54 BC was more significant, with a larger force and a more prolonged stay. Yet, even during this second invasion, Caesar remained in the south and southeast, focusing on the tribes in Kent and along the Thames. There is no evidence that he travelled as far as Wimbledon, which was well beyond his sphere of activity. The tribes he encountered, such as the Cantiaci of Kent, differed from those who lived in the area that would later become London.

So why the persistent association with Caesar? The name “Caesar’s Camp” was likely a product of later romanticisation. In the 18th and 19th centuries, antiquarians and local historians often attributed anything vaguely Roman or ancient to Caesar. It was a convenient shorthand for mystery and antiquity but hardly accurate. Naming hill forts after Caesar became a tradition but has confused generations of historians and visitors alike.

Did The Romans Ever Attack Wimbledon Hill Fort?

While Julius Caesar can be ruled out as having any connection to the Wimbledon hill fort, that doesn’t mean the Romans never laid eyes on it. It’s possible that the fort was involved in the Roman conquest of Britain, just not during Caesar’s campaigns. The real Roman threat came nearly a century later, during the invasion under Emperor Claudius in AD 43.

This was the conquest that truly brought Britain into the Roman Empire. Claudius sent four legions to subdue the island, and their progress was much more extensive than Caesar’s earlier attempts. One of these legions, Legio II Augusta, was led by a future emperor — Vespasian. The II Augusta played a crucial role in the conquest, striking west and south as they fought to pacify the British tribes.

Wimbledon’s hill fort may have been in the path of this Roman war machine. Although there is no direct evidence of a Roman attack on the fort, the location places it within the potential theatre of operations. The II Augusta’s march likely took them through areas not far from modern-day London as they advanced towards the west and southwest.

What we know of the Romans’ tactics supports the idea that they may have attacked or at least encountered the hill fort. The Romans were systematic in their approach to conquest, attacking or neutralising any fortified positions that could pose a threat. Hill forts like the one at Wimbledon would have been prime targets for the Romans as they swept through the landscape, subduing local tribes and consolidating their control.

What would a Roman attack on Wimbledon hill fort have looked like? Given the size and construction of the fort, it’s possible that the Romans would have used their famous siege techniques to breach the defences. The fort’s inhabitants, likely members of a local tribe, would have put up a fight. Still, the disciplined Roman legions were known for their efficiency in overcoming even the most formidable defences.

Whether Wimbledon’s hill fort fell to a Roman assault or not, the period of Roman expansion into Britain was a turning point for the region. By the time of Claudius’ conquest, many of the old ways of life that had characterised the Iron Age were coming to an end, replaced by Roman roads, towns, and the inexorable spread of Roman culture.

The Enduring Mystery Of Wimbledon’s Hill Fort

Despite the evidence that Wimbledon’s hill fort was an active part of the region’s pre-Roman history, much remains a mystery. Archaeologists have uncovered tantalising clues, but many questions will remain unanswered without more extensive excavations. Who exactly built the fort? What role did it play in local politics and warfare? And was it indeed attacked by Roman forces during their conquest of Britain?

While we may never know the full story, what is clear is that the hill fort had nothing to do with Julius Caesar. The name Caesar’s Camp is a historical red herring, and attributing the site to Caesar only obscures its true significance. The real story of Wimbledon’s hill fort is one of Iron Age power and the dramatic changes brought by the Roman invasion.

Today, visitors to Wimbledon Common can walk among the ancient earthworks and reflect on when this quiet corner of London was a bustling centre of life and, possibly, a battlefield in the long and complex history of Britain’s Roman conquest. In the shadow of history, the fort stands as a reminder of the deep roots of this landscape, long before Wimbledon became synonymous with tennis.

If you ever happen to pass along the Gherkin, you surely have noticed the dark grey sarcophagus with the Latin inscription on its side. You might have mistaken it for a monument of sorts, and in a way, it is—a monument to a mystery. One that came to light in the 1990s was a mystery involving a young girl buried in the heart of ancient Londinium a few decades before the end of Roman rule over the Isle.

This is the story of the unknown girl whose final resting place lay undiscovered for centuries, only to be revealed by the chaos of a bombing and the careful work of archaeologists.

A Bomb, A Discovery: The Mystery Uncovered

On 10 April 1992, the IRA detonated a bomb in the heart of London, right in the financial district near the Baltic Exchange. The explosion was devastating, causing extensive damage to buildings and the surrounding area. The site was left in ruins, but amidst the debris of the modern city, the bombing indirectly led to a remarkable discovery.

As the area underwent repairs and reconstruction, archaeologists were called in. Excavations were necessary before new foundations could be laid. Soon enough, they stumbled upon a Roman burial site that had remained undisturbed for over 1,500 years. Among the ancient finds was the body of a young girl, her identity and life an enigma waiting to be unravelled.

The unknown girl lay beneath what is now 30 St Mary Axe, better known as The Gherkin. As you stand in front of this towering glass structure, it’s hard to imagine that once, beneath its gleaming modern exterior, a child’s final resting place stood quietly hidden, marking a different era altogether.

What Do We Know About The Girl?

The remains of the girl believed to be between 13 and 17 years old, offer some clues but no definitive answers. The date of her burial suggests that she lived around 350 to 400 AD, during the latter days of Roman rule in Britain. She was laid to rest in a traditional pose for a late-Roman burial, although this fact signifies neither her ethnicity nor her social standing. But beyond these sparse facts, much about her life remains a mystery.

What’s particularly intriguing is that the girl’s remains were found within the boundaries of what would have been Roman Londinium but outside the city walls. At that time, burials were commonly placed outside city limits due to both Roman customs and laws. The position of her grave implies that her community lived close to, but not necessarily within, the bustling heart of Londinium itself.

Archaeologists also discovered no grave goods buried with her, a feature that might have helped identify her origins or beliefs. This raises tantalising questions: Was she part of a wealthy Roman-British family? Was she an early Christian, laid to rest following new religious customs? We can only speculate based on the little that survives.

Londinium: What Did It Look Like Around 350-400 AD?

At the time of the unknown girl’s burial, Roman Britain was in its twilight. The Roman Empire’s influence was waning, and Londinium, once a thriving hub of trade, military operations, and politics, was beginning to see its own decline. The grand structures that had once dominated the skyline – the basilica, the amphitheatre, and the forum – were either in disrepair or slowly falling out of use.

Yet, Londinium still bustled with life. The city lay on the northern bank of the Thames, and its riverside location made it a critical point for trade routes stretching across the Empire. Warehouses, workshops, and merchants’ stalls lined the streets, but signs of change were already in the air. Invasions by Saxon pirates had made the city’s defensive walls crucial for protection, while many villas and estates began to appear in the surrounding countryside.

By 400 AD, the British economy and urban life were shifting. Londinium was no longer the powerhouse it once was but was far from abandoned. The Roman presence might have weakened, but Roman culture lingered in daily life, and the girl’s burial would have been one of many during this transition period between Roman control and the rise of native British and early Saxon kingdoms.

Burial Practices: The Roman Way of Death

Understanding how the girl was buried helps us place her within Roman customs. Roman burial practices varied over time and location, influenced by social class, local traditions, and religious beliefs. Cremation was the dominant form of burial in the earlier Roman period. Still, by the time the unknown girl lived, inhumation (burial of the body intact) had become far more common.

The switch from cremation to burial was gradual, but by the late 3rd and 4th centuries, it was almost universal in Roman Britain. Grave goods, from personal items like jewellery to offerings of food and drink, were often included to accompany the dead on their journey to the afterlife. However, this young girl’s grave held none of these, potentially reflecting a Christian influence or the simple preferences of her family.

Could She Have Been Christian?

One of the most compelling aspects of this discovery is the question of the girl’s religion. Britain in the 4th century was a land of religious change. Christianity had begun to spread across the Roman Empire after Emperor Constantine’s conversion, and by the time of this girl’s death, Christian communities were present in Londinium.

The absence of grave goods suggests a possible Christian influence. Early Christian burials often followed simpler practices, devoid of the rich offerings typical of pagan Roman burials. However, without any definitive religious symbols (like a cross or religious inscription), it’s difficult to say what faith the girl adhered to.

Historians caution against jumping to conclusions about her being Christian, and some argue that referring to her as “Roman” might also be misleading. While she was buried during Roman rule and within Roman customs, it’s entirely possible that her family was of native British descent, Romanised only through centuries of occupation. To call her a Roman might be to impose an identity on her that we cannot fully substantiate.

Roman Or Romanticised?

We often romanticise figures like this unknown girl, eager to fill in the gaps left by history. In truth, we know very little about her life or identity, yet she sparks our imagination. Was she a Roman citizen? A Briton living under Roman rule? Was she Christian, pagan, or something else entirely? These are questions we may never answer.

However, we can appreciate that her burial and existence connect us directly to Londinium’s ancient past. She lived in a city undergoing dramatic change at a time when empires rose and fell, and she was laid to rest beneath what would one day become one of London’s most recognisable buildings.

Her story reminds us that every piece of ground we walk on carries layers of history, and sometimes, an unexpected event—like a bombing—can reveal those layers and the people who lived and died beneath them.

Today, the unknown girl beneath The Gherkin continues to captivate historians and Londoners alike. We may never know her name, but through the efforts of archaeologists and the fragments of history they uncover, we keep her memory alive, preserving her place in the long, rich story of London’s past.

The London Mithraeum stands as one of the most intriguing relics of ancient Londinium, deeply rooted in the mystery cult of Mithras. Found beneath the modern streets of the bustling city, it provides a rare glimpse into the spiritual lives of Roman soldiers and citizens who called Londinium home in the late third and early fourth centuries. What’s particularly fascinating about the Mithraeum is how it reflects not only the religious practices of its time but also the shifting dynamics between competing belief systems, especially Mithraism and Christianity.

Mithras vs Christ: Competing for the Roman Soul

Mithraism, a mystery cult centred around the god Mithras, enjoyed widespread popularity among Roman soldiers. In contrast to Christianity, which was gaining a foothold among civilians, Mithraism was primarily a male-dominated religion steeped in ritual and exclusivity. Its members, often from the military elite, sought salvation and a connection to the divine through complex initiation ceremonies in secret temples like the London Mithraeum.

Mithras was a deity of light, truth, and loyalty—highly valued by the Roman army. This connection to the military made Mithraism a potential rival to Christianity. While Christianity offered universal salvation and was more inclusive of all social classes and genders, Mithraism appealed to the brotherhood and hierarchy cherished by Roman soldiers. The rituals of Mithraism, including the symbolic slaying of a bull by Mithras (a tauroctony), represented the eternal battle between good and evil, life and death, making it deeply resonant with the values of the Roman Empire.

The competition between these two religions intensified in the late Roman Empire around the third and fourth centuries. Had events played out differently, it’s entirely possible that Mithraism could have become the dominant faith. The religion’s strength among the military meant the backbone of Roman power already favoured it. Christianity, however, ultimately gained the upper hand, mainly due to political factors and imperial support, particularly after Constantine the Great’s conversion.

Mithraism in Late-3rd Century Londinium

Londinium, a thriving Roman city by the late third century, was home to many soldiers, traders, and officials. Mithraism likely arrived with the military, and the construction of the London Mithraeum around this period suggests that the cult was well established within the city. Constantine the Great, who would later become Rome’s first Christian emperor, was initially a follower of Mithras, as was likely his father, Constantius Chlorus. The prominence of Mithraism among the ruling elite lent it considerable influence in the imperial court.

Constantine’s early connection to Mithraism, combined with the popularity of the cult among his soldiers, suggests that had he not converted to Christianity, Mithraism might have risen to dominate the religious landscape of the empire. There’s evidence that Mithraic practices endured even after Constantine’s conversion, but Christianity’s embrace by the imperial family gradually marginalised Mithraism.

In Londinium, the Mithraeum would have served as a place where Roman soldiers and officials gathered to perform sacred rituals, cement their brotherhood, and pledge their loyalty to the empire and each other. The temple was built in the traditional style of Mithraic temples, or Mithraea, which were usually constructed underground to symbolise the cave where Mithras was believed to have slain the sacred bull.

The London Mithraeum: A Glimpse Into the Past

Excavations of the London Mithraeum have revealed much about what this temple would have looked like in its heyday. Built around AD 240-250, the temple was located near the Walbrook River, which once ran through Londinium. Like other Mithraea, it was designed to resemble a cave, with a long, narrow central nave flanked by raised benches where initiates would sit during rituals.

The centrepiece of the Mithraeum would have been a statue or relief depicting the tauroctony—Mithras’s slaying of the bull. This scene was central to Mithraic worship, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, and was likely the focus of the cult’s sacred ceremonies. Other artefacts discovered during the excavation include altars, votive offerings, and inscriptions dedicated to Mithras, all of which provide insight into the religious practices of the time.

Interestingly, the temple underwent a rededication in the early fourth century, when it was converted into a temple of Bacchus. This change reflects the shifting religious landscape of the time, as Mithraism began to lose its foothold to other cults and, eventually, to Christianity. The rededication to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry, may have responded to the decline of Mithraic worship, as the Roman elite sought new ways to express their devotion to the gods.

The 1954 Excavations: Uncovering Londinium’s Hidden Past

The discovery of the London Mithraeum was an accident. In 1954, during the post-war reconstruction of London, builders stumbled upon the ruins of the ancient temple while digging foundations for a new office building. The discovery caused a sensation, as it was one of the most significant finds of Roman Londinium to date.

The excavation was led by renowned archaeologists W. F. Grimes and Audrey Williams, who meticulously uncovered the remains of the Mithraeum. Their work revealed the temple’s structure and a treasure trove of artefacts, including statues, altars, and inscriptions. The find was hailed as one of Britain’s most important Roman discoveries, shedding light on a relatively obscure aspect of the empire’s religious history.

However, controversy soon arose over the fate of the temple. In 1962, the ruins were relocated from Walbrook Square to a site near Temple Court as an imperfect compromise to preserve them while allowing for the construction of new buildings on the original site. This decision sparked outrage among historians and the public, who felt that the Mithraeum should have stayed in its original location. Critics argued that the relocation disrupted the temple’s historical context and diminished its significance as part of Londinium’s ancient landscape. In 2010, Bloomberg purchased the Walbrook Square plot and announced its decision to relocate the Mitraeum and restore it to its original look.

The London Mithraeum Today: A Journey Back in Time

Despite the controversy surrounding its relocation, the London Mithraeum remains one of the best places to experience Roman history in the heart of London. In 2017, Bloomberg restored the temple to its original site on Walbrook as part of the Bloomberg European Headquarters development. The reconstruction incorporates cutting-edge technology, immersing visitors in Roman Londinium.

The temple has been painstakingly recreated, complete with dramatic lighting and sound installation that evokes the atmosphere of Mithraic rituals. Visitors descend into the Mithraeum and are transported back in time, experiencing the temple as it would have appeared to Roman soldiers nearly two thousand years ago. The remains of the temple, combined with the artefacts on display, offer a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual lives of Roman Londoners.

What makes the London Mithraeum truly special is its ability to connect visitors with a forgotten chapter of history. Unlike many Roman ruins, which are often reduced to little more than fragments, the Mithraeum has been carefully preserved and presented in a way that brings its story to life. The immersive experience, combined with the detailed archaeological record, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history.

Why the London Mithraeum Matters

The London Mithraeum is more than just an archaeological site. It reminds us of the complexity of the Roman Empire’s religious landscape and the fierce competition between Mithraism and Christianity during a time of great change. It also speaks to the importance of Londinium as a major Roman city, where soldiers, merchants, and officials from all corners of the empire converged, bringing with them their beliefs, traditions, and gods.

As you stand in the Mithraeum today, it’s easy to imagine the soldiers who once worshipped here gathering secretly to perform ancient rites. You can almost feel the weight of their oaths, hopes for salvation, and loyalty to Mithras. The temple may no longer echo with the chants of Roman initiates, but its walls still tell the story of a time when gods and empires vied for dominance—and a small temple on the banks of the Walbrook was at the heart of it all.

For anyone passionate about Roman history or interested in the rich tapestry of London’s past, the London Mithraeum offers an unparalleled glimpse into a world long forgotten but never truly lost.