Archaeologists find Roman road beneath iconic London street after 2,000 years

London, United Kingdom

After nearly 2,000 years, a section of one of the most important Roman roads of Britain was found by archaeologists beneath the iconic Old Kent Road of London. 

The part of the ancient Roman roads which was found by the archaeologists was known as Watling Street. 

In 43 AD, Watling Street was paved by the Romans and it stretched for 276 miles (444 km) from the West Midlands to Dover. 

For the first time, researchers have come across physical proof of the survival of parts of the Roman highway just beneath its modern counterpart. 

Even though characteristically Roman roads used to be straight, it has been very difficult for archaeologists to come across evidence of the path of Watling Street across the capital.

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This discovery was made when work was ongoing for expanding the heat network of the Southwark borough, which is a 5.8m (19ft) wide and 1.4m (5ft) tall section. 

Director of archaeology at RPS Consulting Ltd Gillian King said that the road's discovery has "redrawn the Roman road map" for London. "It is a key finding for archaeological research for London," said King. 

All about Watling Street

In 43 AD, Watling Street was built just after the Roman invasion and served as an important arterial road in Roman Britain.

The road ran northwest starting from the critical port of Dover, passing through Verulamium (modern-day St Albans) till the Roman city of Viroconium and the fort of Deva.

The road was very important and was used by visiting emperors like Hadrian in 122 AD when he gave instructions for the construction of Hadrian's Wall separating England and Scotland.

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When the Roman Empire crumbled, Anglo-Saxons named Wroxeter 'Wætlingaceaster' which with time morphed into 'Watling'.

The solid construction of Watling Street helped it become an important part of the mediaeval transport system which slowly turned into one of modern road networks. 

(With inputs from agencies)