Ancient Beauty Unearthed: Impeccably Preserved Mosaic Discovered in London's Shard Vicinity

Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology have made an exciting discovery in Southwark, London, as they unearthed a remarkably well-preserved Roman mosaic that decorated the floor of a dining room. The mosaic found close to The Shard, is the largest area of Roman mosaic uncovered in London for over 50 years. The discovery was made during excavations in advance of the development of a mixed-use scheme known as The Liberty of Southwark.

The mosaic consists of two panels of small, coloured tiles set in a red tessellated floor. The larger panel depicts large, colourful flowers surrounded by intertwining strands, known as a guilloche, along with lotus flowers and a pattern called Solomon’s knot. The smaller panel has a simpler design, with two Solomon’s knots, two stylised flowers, and geometric motifs in red, white, and black. It provides evidence of Roman artisans travelling and working in London.

The mosaic was situated in a large room that is believed to have been a Roman triclinium or dining room. The room contained dining couches where guests would recline while enjoying their food and drink. The walls of the room were brightly painted, and fragments of colourful wall plaster have also been found at the site. The size of the dining room and its lavish decoration suggest that it was used only by high-ranking officers and their guests.

Experts have dated the largest mosaic panel to the late 2nd to early 3rd century AD, but traces of an earlier mosaic underneath it have also been identified, indicating that the room was refurbished over time. The dining room may have been part of a Roman mansion or upmarket ‘motel’ that offered accommodation, stabling, and dining facilities for state couriers and officials travelling to and from London. The entire footprint of the building is still being uncovered, but current findings suggest that it was a large complex with multiple rooms and corridors surrounding a central courtyard.

The site also includes a large Roman building believed to have been the private residence of a wealthy individual or family. The building features lavishly painted walls, terrazzo-style and mosaic floors, coins, jewellery, and decorated bone hairpins, all suggesting the level of wealth enjoyed by those living in the area 2,000 years ago.

The excavation was part of a wider regeneration project set to be completed in 2024, known as The Liberty of Southwark. The project, a joint venture between regeneration specialist U+I and Transport for London, will include a contemporary workspace, 36 new homes (including 50% affordable housing), shops, and restaurants. It has been designed by local architects Allies and Morrison as a varied collection of contemporary brick buildings that are sensitive to their surroundings and reference the Victorian industrial and commercial architecture of the area. The development will also restore 15 Southwark Street, a building that dates back to the 1860s.

The mosaics will be carefully recorded and assessed by a team of conservators before being lifted and transported off-site for more detailed conservation work. Plans for the public display of the mosaics are currently being developed in consultation with Southwark Council. The discovery of the Roman mosaic offers a glimpse into the past, providing important evidence of the level of wealth, luxury, and sophistication enjoyed by those living in the area 2,000 years ago.

 

A 3D model of the mosaic is available on Sketchfab.

 

Photos: ©MOLA_AndyChopping