Archaeologists uncover ancient wall art in London

In a remarkable archaeological find, a team of experts uncovered 2,000-year-old wall paintings during redevelopment at 'The Liberty' site in Southwark, London. This discovery, made in 2021, included thousands of vibrant plaster fragments showcasing exquisite designs with motifs such as birds, fruit, and flowers. The fragments likely decorated the walls of a high-status Roman building. The collection is considered one of the largest of its kind unearthed in London, providing invaluable insights into the artistic sophistication of ancient Londinium. The painstaking process of reassembling the fragments was led by the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), with the effort taking three months to complete. The fragments were initially found discarded in a large pit, the result of demolition activities that occurred before AD 200. Among the most notable elements recovered was a painter’s signature, marked by the Latin term 'FECIT,' meaning 'has made this,' but the painter's name remains a mystery due to damage. Additionally, the excavation revealed fascinating pieces of ancient graffiti, including a nearly complete inscription of the Greek alphabet, a unique find for Roman Britain. This graffiti suggests that literacy skills were present among some individuals in that era and hints at the daily lives of the building's inhabitants. The discovery reflects the considerable investment Romans made in London as they established it as a permanent settlement within their empire. Overall, the recovery of these artworks allows for a deeper understanding of Roman influence on London and the richness of its early society. This window into the past not only reveals the sophistication of artistic endeavors but also illuminates the domestic environments and cultural expressions of the time, linking the ancient city of Londinium to the broader narrative of Roman history in Britain.