Roman thermae of Lucentum, Ancient Roman baths in Alicante, Spain
The Roman thermae of Lucentum is an ancient bathing complex in Alicante that dates to when the city was an active port settlement. The structure contained separate areas for changing, warm bathing, hot bathing, and cold water immersion, each serving specific functions in the bathing ritual.
The baths were built and operated between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD when Lucentum functioned as a Mediterranean trading port. The structure reflects Roman expansion and settlement in this coastal region.
The baths served as a social hub where residents gathered for more than just personal hygiene, using the spaces for conversations and business dealings that shaped daily life in this port town.
The site is open to visitors from Tuesday through Sunday, and guided tours can be arranged through the Alicante Museum of Archaeology for more detailed information. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to walk through the different chambers and passages at a leisurely pace.
The complex used an underground heating system called a hypocaust, where hot air flowed through clay pipes beneath the floors to warm the water and spaces above. This sophisticated engineering approach demonstrates the technical knowledge the Romans applied to everyday comforts.
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