Forum baths, Roman thermal complex in Trier, Germany
The Forum baths are an ancient Roman thermal complex featuring multiple levels with bathing pools, heated chambers, and supporting spaces arranged in an interconnected network. The site is now enclosed in a glass structure that displays the intricate heating systems and water circulation infrastructure that powered these facilities.
These baths were built in the 2nd century AD as public facilities for residents of the Roman city Augusta Treverorum. They remained in use throughout the Roman period before eventually being buried beneath later construction layers.
These baths served as gathering spots where Romans exercised, conducted business, and spent leisure time with others. Such thermal complexes reflected the importance of communal life in Roman society and the prosperity of the ancient settlement.
The glass structure allows clear views of the entire layout from above, making it easy to understand how the different sections connected and functioned. Comfortable shoes are helpful since you navigate around the actual stone foundations and walls spread across the ground.
The remains were unexpectedly discovered in 1987 during excavation for a parking garage, which led to the decision to preserve and display them instead of destroying them. This chance finding revealed how much of Roman Trier lies hidden beneath the modern city streets.
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