Roman Baths, Roman thermae museum in Bath, Somerset, England
The Roman Baths are a well-preserved Roman thermae complex below modern street level in Bath, Somerset, with four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and a museum of finds from Aquae Sulis. The Great Bath is a lead-lined pool fed by the spring; all buildings at street level date from the 19th century.
Construction began between 60 and 70 AD with a temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva and the development of the bathing complex. The Romans used the site until the 5th century, after which it fell into ruin and was only rediscovered and excavated during the 18th century.
Visitors walk through a site where people from across the Roman Empire once gathered to bathe and seek healing in the warm waters. The name Aquae Sulis links the Celtic goddess Sulis with the Roman Minerva, and this merging of two traditions appears in the votive offerings and inscriptions displayed inside.
The spring water is hot and not meant for bathing by visitors, but viewing platforms provide a clear view of the large pool. The audio guide explains the different rooms and shows how the Romans channeled the water through lead pipes.
The gilt bronze head of Sulis Minerva, found nearby in 1727, is displayed in the museum. The site also yielded 130 curse tablets, many asking the goddess to punish thieves who stole bathers' clothes.
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