Roman thermae in Asturica Augusta

Welcome to Asturica Augusta, a city that was once a thriving center of social and leisure activities in ancient Rome. As your tourist guide, I would like to take you on a journey through time to explore the fascinating history of the public baths in this city. The public baths were not only places for personal hygiene and care but also served as centers for social interaction and leisure activities. In Asturica Augusta, there were two known complexes of public baths - the Termas Mayores and the Termas Menores. During excavations led by Tomás Mañanes in August 1984, the remains of what would be called the Termas Mayores were discovered on Santiago Crespo Street. This area had already yielded previous discoveries, such as those mentioned by José María Luengo in the mid-20th century or the reference to the thermal building in a document from 1226 from the Cathedral Archive. Despite the challenges posed by the urban environment for archaeology, the total excavated surface area of these Termas Mayores is close to 2200 square meters, thanks to various archaeological interventions. These public baths were located in the central area of the city, next to the intersection of the two main roads. There were two phases of construction documented in the Termas Mayores. The first phase was between the mid-1st century and mid-3rd century, while the second phase was in the 5th century after undergoing significant remodeling. As you explore the remains of the Termas Mayores, you will be transported back in time to experience the daily life of the people who lived in Asturica Augusta. You will see the intricate architecture and engineering that went into creating these public baths, which were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. In conclusion, visiting the Termas Mayores is a must-do activity for anyone interested in ancient Roman history and culture. It is a unique opportunity to witness the ingenuity and creativity of our ancestors and appreciate their contributions to modern-day society.

Location: Astorga

Source: Wikimedia