Archeologists exploring the site of a planned 32-story office tower announced Thursday that they have unearthed remains of a Roman basilica that once stood at the heart of the city known as Londinium.

Experts are surprised at how much of the basilica, or town hall, survived. The ancient building was part of Roman London’s political and commercial center.

Archaeologists say the remnants of an ancient Roman basilica unearthed in the heart of London are "one of the most significant discoveries" in years.

The remains of an ancient basilica that would have formed the heart of Roman London have been uncovered during building work in the center of the British capital.

In the basement of an office building in London’s financial district, the ruins of an ancient Roman basilica were found buried beneath old filing cabinets and concrete floors. Archaeologists are calling it one of the most exciting recent discoveries in the British capital.