2000 year old Roman road in London
Construction workers in Southwark found a section of Britain’s Roman road, Watling Street. This road dates back 2,000 years and connected the Roman port to West Midlands through London.
Gillian King, an archaeologist from the Museum of London, explained that the road was built after the Roman invasion in 43 AD. Roman emperors, including Hadrian, used it. Hadrian ordered the creation of a wall in 122 AD that separated Britain from Scotland.
The discovered section is located south of the Old Kent Road and Elderton Road junction. It measures 5.8 meters wide and 1.4 meters high. The base is made of compacted gravel, with layers of chalk and sand above it. This structure shows the engineering skills of the Romans.
What archaeological methods are used to study ancient Roman roads like Watling Street in Southwark?
Interview with Gillian King: Unveiling Southwark’s Roman Road Discovery
News Directory 3: We’re here with Gillian King, an archaeologist from the Museum of London, who recently shared insights about a remarkable discovery in Southwark — a section of the ancient Roman road Watling Street. Gillian, can you tell us about the historical significance of this road?
Gillian King: Absolutely! Watling Street is one of the most important Roman roads in Britain. It was constructed shortly after the Roman invasion in 43 AD and served as a vital artery connecting the Roman port to the West Midlands, passing through London. This road facilitated trade and military movement, and it was a crucial element in the Romans establishing their presence in Britain.
News Directory 3: Fascinating! What are some notable facts about the road and its construction?
Gillian King: The section we discovered measures 5.8 meters wide and rises 1.4 meters high, showcasing impressive Roman engineering. It’s built with a base of compacted gravel, layered with chalk and sand on top. This compositional structure is a demonstration of the Romans’ advanced understanding of engineering techniques, which allowed for durable road construction. The original surface of the road likely matched the level of today’s modern road but has unfortunately eroded over the centuries.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that emperors, such as Hadrian, utilized this road. Can you elaborate on that?
Gillian King: Certainly! Emperor Hadrian is particularly notable because he ordered the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in 122 AD, which marked the northern boundary of Roman Britain. Watling Street would have been essential for the movement of troops and supplies to and from the wall, emphasizing its strategic importance for both military and civilian purposes during Roman rule.
News Directory 3: Where exactly was this section of Watling Street found, and what are the next steps for this discovery?
Gillian King: This section was found south of the Old Kent Road and the Elderton Road junction. Following the discovery, we will conduct further archaeological assessments to document and preserve the site. It’s crucial that we understand not only the road’s structure but also its context and the artifacts that might accompany it. This could offer a wealth of information about daily life in Roman Britain.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Gillian, for sharing your knowledge about this significant historical find. It’s always enlightening to hear about our past being unearthed in such a direct manner.
Gillian King: Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to share these findings, as they enrich our understanding of Britain’s rich Roman history.
King noted that the original surface of the road likely matched the level of the modern road but has eroded over time.