Archaeological experts have started to dig for Roman, Viking and medieval remains around the 2012 Lea Valley site

An archaeological dig to uncover the history of the 2012 Olympic parkland and waterways begun today in east London.

The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is working alongside experts from the Museum of London on the project which hopes to unearth historic remains buried on the site including Roman, Viking and medieval artefacts as well as recent industrial history.

Olympic site
Did the Romans come this way?

Today a dozen trenches, up to four metres deep, will be dug on the 500 acre site starting on the velopark site.

David Higgins, chief executive of the ODA, said: "This is an opportunity to chart and record the unique history of the area."

Any remains will be recorded or moved to the Museum of London.

Higgins added: "Work will be carried out by experts and hopefully more clues to the Lea Valley's past will be found. We are starting well ahead of the planned start of construction and nothing is expected to be found that could affect our timetable."

Kieron Tyler, senior archaeologist at the Museum of London, said: "This investigation will tell the story of the changing landscape and exactly how human intervention has constantly influenced the environment.

"It is a unique opportunity to do it on such a huge scale."

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