Roman Baths, Ancient Roman thermae in Bath, England
Roman Baths is an ancient Roman bathhouse in Bath, England, built around a natural hot spring and now preserved as a museum and archaeological site. The complex includes the Great Bath with its green thermal pool, changing rooms, hot and cold temperature chambers, and an exhibition hall displaying artifacts from the Roman period.
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 green color of the water in the large pool comes not from minerals but from algae growing in sunlight. The spring itself is clear, and the Romans saw the water in its natural transparent state, as the bath was covered at the time.
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