Eight years after beginning excavations in southeastern Spain, an archaeological crew has uncovered a stunning Roman bath. Researchers say it’s “one of the most monumental Roman bath complexes ever discovered in the Iberian Peninsula,” according to Archaeology Magazine.
Officials say that the Eastern Baths at La Alcudia is yet more evidence of the technological ingenuity in the Roman era. At 14,000 square feet, the bathhouse is one of the largest Roman structures unearthed in Hispania. What is now La Alcudia was once the Roman city of Iulia Ilici Augusta. It had two phases of rule: the first overseen by Julius Caesar prior to his assassination; and the other presided over by Emperor Augustus.
Experts say the structure is a testament to the remarkable skills of Roman builders. “Thanks to these eight years of excavation, we’ve uncovered one of the city’s most significant public buildings—its Eastern Baths,” said Jaime Molina Vidal, Chair of Ancient History at the University of Alicante and excavation’s leader. “Richly decorated with mosaic floors and built on an extraordinary scale, the baths speak to the splendor and prosperity of the city during the 2nd century A.D.”
The structure is a classic Roman bathhouse featuring ancient swimming pools as well as cold and hot rooms. It’s adorned with luxurious features such as mosaics embossed with marble, leaves, and floral motifs. Specialized conservation techniques have been carried out to preserve what is left of the structure, with officials currently waiting on a replacement roof. “We are now entering a new phase, focused on the scientific publication of our findings and turning the site into an open museum space, so that the public can discover and enjoy this unique heritage,” Molina said.
