The Roman Baths
Today we visited Bath, home of the “baths” in Somerset, England. We were here any years ago with our kids and Grandpa but it’s always neat to see what the Romans did back when they ruled the world.
Just as in an earlier blog about the Roman baths, this one was also the center of the community. This was the place for discussing politics, exercising, meeting friends and just relaxing. And, as with most bathing complexes, this one was on a grand scale. Heated changing rooms, cold pools, massage rooms and large communal swimming areas were just the basics.
“Hypocaust” floor heating system
The main swimming pool. Second level was added in the 1900’s
Emperor statues added in 1900’s
Heated changing rooms
Temples, shops, and homes surrounded the area providing everything one would need to make your time at the baths comfortable.
Reconstructed altar from the temple
The hot springs, source for heated water
This complex was built around 60-70BCE and was improved on over the next 300 years. Known to the Romans as, “Aquae Sulis” or “the waters of Sulis” these baths may have been constructed at the direction of Emperor Claudius. Unique to these baths are curse tablets that have been found. Curse tablets are small pieces of lead with inscriptions cursing someone for committing a crime, stealing clothes or other personal items from the changing rooms for example. Over 130 have been found here asking the goddess Sulis Minerva to intervene and punish the individual(s) who committed the crimes. Often the name of the suspect, or a list of potential suspects, is included on the tablet to make it easier for Minerva.
Temple entrance (pediment)
Early Roman citizen
Gold cloak pin
Over the years the baths have been renovated, fallen into disrepair, renovated again and eventually, used to house a very nice museum of Roman antiquities. As part of the admission, an audio guide is provided that explains each site and the several buildings in the museum. Gets pretty crowded here so glad were visiting in the off season.