Aquae Sulis, Roman archaeological site in Bath, England
Aquae Sulis is a Roman settlement in Bath, England, built around hot springs and containing both a temple and extensive bathing facilities. The site still shows stone basins, columns, and foundation remains that illustrate the layout of the rooms and the engineering solutions used to manage mineral-rich thermal water.
Romans built the site around 60 AD after encountering Celtic springs already regarded as sacred. The settlement grew into an important religious and social center that was expanded and reshaped over several centuries.
Worship of Sulis Minerva blended Celtic and Roman beliefs in a location already considered holy before the conquest. Visitors today can see how pilgrims and travelers inscribed wishes or curses on lead tablets, then threw them into the spring water to gain the attention of the deity.
The site sits in the center of Bath, close to modern shops and cafes, and is easy to reach on foot. The remains lie partly below present ground level, so visitors walk through galleries and platforms to view the ancient structures.
The thermal water takes a journey of roughly 10,000 years, beginning as rain over the Mendip Hills before emerging through limestone fissures at the surface. The temperature at the outlet remains a steady 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit), causing the bath to steam throughout the year and giving it a warm glow.
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