Bath (Aquae Sulis) – Quick Facts

Where

Bath, Somerset Map & Website

When

• In the early first century the hot spring was in the Iron Age kingdom of the Dobunni and was sacred to the goddess Sulis.
• By AD 44 the Romans had created a military zone in the area.
• A bath/temple complex dedicated to Sulis-Minerva was completed by AD 75.
• Changes and upgrades to the complex continued during the next 300 years.
• The Roman town grew up around the baths and was a destination for pilgrims looking for solace in the healing waters of Sulis-Minerva.
• The town and the baths fell into decline at the end of the Roman era in early 5th century.

What Remains

• The Roman Baths here are the best preserved ancient baths and temple complex in Northern Europe and are a World Heritage Site. This is the only thermal spring in the UK.
• The Great Bath – a large pool that continues to be filled with hot spring water from a Roman era drain.
• Much of the Roman underwater engineering, including drains, sluices, lead pipes, pilae, and flues, still remains.
• A circular cold bath.
• Laconium or hot room.
• Part of the temple courtyard.
• Pieces of the temple pediment including a Gorgon head.
• The gold head of Sulis-Minerva.