Still, archeologists could never have expected what they found.

Discoveries included Britain’s largestand earliestcollection of Roman writing tablets.

Bloomberg’s generous donationboth in artifacts and fundingis a boon for the London Museum.

Small Roman pottery vessel with foliage and face

Small Roman pottery vessel with foliage and face (Photo: London Museum)

Over 14,000 Roman artifacts have been donated to the London Museum by Bloomberg.

Fragments from Roman swords including carved bone grip and guard and iron tip

Fragments from Roman swords including carved bone grip and guard and iron tip (Photo: London Museum)

Roman wooden writing tablet and style

Roman wooden writing tablet and style (Photo: London Museum)

Roman leather shoes belonging to an adult and child

Roman leather shoes belonging to an adult and child (Photo: London Museum)

Aerial view of Smithfield markets

Aerial view of Smithfield markets (Photo: London Museum)

Concept of London Museum General Market basement gallery

Concept of London Museum General Market basement gallery (Photo: Secchi Smith)

Excavations at Bloomberg Place

View of excavations at Bloomberg Place (Photo: MOLA)