Aquae Sulis

Roman Baths

 Before the Romans built the Baths. The hot spring central to this site was worshiped by the nearby Celtic tribes.

 72 feet long, 29 feet wide, 5 feet deep Lined with lead Warm water flowed into the pool directly from the spring by a pipe system.

 It is estimated that the roof would have stretched 44 feet above the pool, and the upper walls would have had an opening to allow the steam to escape.

A Model Recreation

 104-121 Degrees Fahrenheit. Celts in surrounding hills came here to worship the goddess of the springSulis. Believed that the Goddess caused the water to have healing properties.

The Springs continued to be a center of religious worship during Roman occupation. Recognizing this the Romans make the Public Baths, and a Temple complex, so many people could enjoy the healing effects of the spring The Springs waters probably only really helped those with Arthritis or rheumatism, but many sick people came to the baths for miraculous healings, and religious pilgrimages.

Romans surrounded the spring with a lead-lined reservoir. The Spring supplied three plunge pools with warm/hot water. (including great bath)

The Sacred Spring

The Ruins of the Roman reservoir were used to make the Kings Bath in the 12th Century.

 Spring Overflow The Roman lead pipe system still functions today. Surplus water, not used up by the baths, flowed out of this drainage pipe and into the River Avon 400 meters away. Minerals in the water cause the color.

 Cold Circular Bath Used after soaking in the hot baths.

Heated Rooms and Saunas

These stacks of Pilae allowed heat to rise up from underneath the floor causing rooms to become hot, and if water was added, steamy.

Remains of Temple Pediment

 The Gorgon head on the temple pediment is in Celtic style. The Romans adapted the goddess Sulis to their own religion, calling her Sulis Minerva. Minerva (Athena) was a goddess the Romans attributed with Healing also.

DEAE SVLI L MARCIUS MEMOR HARVSP

DD

To the goddess Sulils Luccius Marcius Memor Harusp(ex) Gave (this statue) as a gift.

DEA SULI PRO SALVTE ET INCOLVMITATE AVFIDI MAXIMI C LEG VI VIC M AUFIDIVS LEMNVS LIBERTVS V. S .L .M.