Summary:
London Museum receives a generous donation of over 14,000 Roman artifacts from the site of a 3rd century CE temple located beneath Bloomberg’s European headquarters. The artifacts shed light on the mysterious cult of the Roman god Mithras and offer insight into the daily lives of ancient Londoners.
In a monumental philanthropic gesture, Michael R. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies, donates the artifacts to the London Museum. The collection includes a diverse array of items such as wooden Roman tablets, clothing, jewelry, pottery, and fragments of buildings, providing a glimpse into the rich history of London. Additionally, Bloomberg Philanthropies contributes £20 million to support the renovation of the Smithfield market buildings, which will house the new museum space. The museum is set to open in 2026 and is expected to become a major cultural hub in the heart of London.
A Glimpse into History: The Roman Temple of Mithras
The donation of over 14,000 Roman artifacts to the London Museum has unearthed a fascinating chapter in the city’s history. The artifacts, which were discovered during the construction of Bloomberg’s European headquarters, originate from a 3rd century CE temple dedicated to the Roman god Mithras. This ancient cult, known for its mysterious and complex rituals, involved bull sacrifice and initiation ceremonies conducted within mithraeums, long rectangular rooms with stone benches lining the walls. The artifacts offer a unique insight into the religious practices and daily lives of ancient Londoners, providing a tangible link to the city’s past.
Among the standout artifacts are 405 wooden Roman tablets, the largest collection of its kind, featuring the first recorded reference to the city. These tablets, along with clothing, jewelry, pottery, furniture, and architectural fragments, paint a vivid picture of London’s early foundations and the people who inhabited it. The discovery of these items not only enriches our understanding of Roman London but also highlights the significance of the temple of Mithras as a center of worship and community in ancient times.
A Philanthropic Legacy: Bloomberg’s Cultural Contribution
Michael R. Bloomberg’s generous donation of the Roman artifacts to the London Museum represents a significant cultural and historical milestone for the city. In addition to the priceless collection, Bloomberg Philanthropies has pledged £20 million to support the renovation of the Smithfield market buildings, transforming them into a state-of-the-art museum space. This philanthropic gesture marks the museum’s largest private contribution to date and underscores Bloomberg’s commitment to preserving and promoting London’s rich heritage.
The new museum, scheduled to open in 2026, is poised to become a major cultural attraction, drawing over two million visitors annually. The collaboration between the public and private sectors, exemplified by Bloomberg’s donation, reflects a shared vision for the future of London’s cultural landscape. Mayor Sadiq Khan lauds Bloomberg as a cultural champion for the city, emphasizing the transformative impact of the London Museum on the Smithfield area and the broader community. Director Sharon Ament echoes this sentiment, highlighting the lasting legacy of the donation in terms of sustainability, apprenticeships, digital innovation, and community engagement.
In conclusion, the donation of over 14,000 Roman artifacts from the temple of Mithras to the London Museum not only enriches our understanding of ancient London but also underscores the power of philanthropy in preserving cultural heritage. Through Bloomberg’s generosity, the city’s history comes to life, offering a tangible connection to its past and shaping its future as a vibrant cultural hub for generations to come.
