Roman Baths
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History <>The first shrine at the site of the springs was built by Celts, and dedicated to the goddess Sulis, whom the Romans identified with Minerva; however, the name Sulis continued to be used after the Roman invasion, leading to the town's Roman name of Aquae Sulis (literally, "the waters of Sulis"). During the Roman occupation of Britain increasingly grand temples and bathing complexes were built, but after the Roman withdrawal these fell into disrepair and were eventually lost due to silting up. They were rediscovered in the 18th century and, as well as being a major archaeological find, they have from that time to the present been one of the city's main attractions, though the water is now considered unsafe for bathing, due to its having passed through the still-functioning lead pipes constructed by the Romans. The Thermae Bath Spa project aims to eventually allow modern-day bathers to experience the waters for themselves.
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<>This is no ordinary Roman bath site. It is fed today, as it was 2,000 years ago, by natural springs of hot water buried deep beneath the bustling modern day city that is now Bath. Standing by the original Bath with its steaming water is an experience in itself. You get an idea of the atmosphere as it was in Roman times. This was where everyone from Roman military generals to shopkeepers could mingle freely and converse, play games and relax. Roman baths were also places where ambitious social climbers could meet those who were influential in the Roman world and so help them to move up another step in the ladder of their careers. Traders would display their wares freely in the grounds of the baths. Anything would be available from fresh fruit and snacks, through to fine jewellery. more about ROMAN BATHS |
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