Unveiling the Layers: Modern Cities and Ancient Remains
Archaeological discoveries beneath modern cities have long fascinated us. These stories hold within them the secrets of bygone eras, hidden and waiting to be rediscovered. One such instance was an excavation near London Bridge, London, where the Great Fire of London's charcoal remnants were discovered, followed by the unearthing of human bones. This excavation led to a critical decision, requiring both the police and archaeologists to be notified.
The Discovery Process and Legal Framework
Such discoveries are not uncommon; they occur continuously across the globe. In the case of the excavation near London Bridge, the bones turned out to be a plague burial pit from the Great Plague of London. These bones were carefully boxed up and reinterred in foundations bases.
According to the rules, whenever archaeological remains are found during redevelopment, archaeologists must be notified to assess their condition and significance. A scientific study may be prescribed if these remains are deemed important. This practice ensures that the information embedded in these historical layers is not lost amid the ongoing development.
Urban Laws and Preservation Efforts
Many cities have safeguarded their archaeological sites through laws that mandate the notification of archaeologists during redevelopment. For instance, planning dockets and construction applications are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that proposed commercial projects do not inadvertently disturb such sites.
The City archaeologists utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the precision and effectiveness of their review process. Before construction begins, developers may be required to undergo an archaeological investigation. Occasionally, important sites not at immediate risk are chosen by the City Archaeologists for focused attention.
Archaeologists consider the entire urban landscape as a vast archaeological site, with every layer potentially holding critical information about the city's past. If the remains are deemed valuable, a protective construction is implemented to safeguard them while development proceeds above them.
Decisions and Outcomes
The outcome of an archaeological discovery depends largely on the country and city in question, as well as the resources available for evaluation. In some cases, the remains are not considered important and are documented before being destroyed by new construction. This decision is often made based on the significance of the remains and their depth.
In cities heavily dependent on tourism like Rome, Athens, or London, these discoveries can be immensely valuable. However, in financially struggling cities or countries with little interest in their past, these finds may be merely reburied or destroyed as a trivial inconvenience. The extent to which urban development and historical preservation coexist varies widely not only among cities but also within the same country.
Excavations for new basements and major building foundations often reveal the most ancient remains due to the deeper layers of the earth being exposed. In contrast, shallow excavations for roads, pipelines, and sewers may uncover more recent remains. The depth of the excavation can significantly influence the types of historical artifacts and information that are uncovered.
It is essential to strike a balance between the needs of urban development and the preservation of our invaluable historical legacy. As we continue to build upon the past, it is crucial to ensure that these layers of history are not lost, but rather celebrated and preserved for future generations.