Terme Erculee, Roman thermal baths in Milan, Italy
Terme Erculee is an ancient Roman bathhouse in Milan that consisted of multiple interconnected chambers and pools. The complex featured cold water facilities, heated areas, exercise spaces, and rooms designed for social gatherings.
Emperor Maximian ordered construction of this bathhouse in the late 3rd to early 4th century when Mediolanum served as the capital of Western Rome. This era marked the peak of urban development under Roman rule.
The baths served as a major social hub where people from different classes of Roman society gathered for leisure and relaxation. Separate sections accommodated men and women who spent time together in pools and rest areas.
The only visible remains are located along a modern street in central Milan, where a section of the cold water pool wall still stands. Visitors can observe the ancient structure nestled between contemporary city buildings.
Water for the baths was supplied through an advanced hydraulic system sourced from either the Acqualunga watercourse or the Seveso River. This engineering demonstrates how the Romans mastered water management in the urban setting.
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