Archaeologists and students in Aquileia, Italy, made a remarkable discovery while excavating the site of an ancient Roman bathhouse. They were expecting to find routine ruins, but instead, they unearthed an enormous ancient Roman structure that left them in awe.
This year, a team of 35 student archaeologists joined professionals to continue their work at the Great Baths of Aquileia. This marked the 23rd year of excavation at the site, according to the University of Udine’s announcement on Dec. 2, 2024. The Roman bath complex once spanned about 108,000 square feet — an area nearly the size of two football fields.
🏛️ Uniud scopre nuove strutture nelle Grandi Terme di #Aquileia
Un’abside di circa 30 metri, una decina di parti di statue e frammenti di colonne: ecco le scoperte effettuate durante l’ultima campagna di scavi dagli #archeologi dell’Ateneo.
➡️ https://t.co/v4LpkGjBen pic.twitter.com/nAa3GPGKrd
— Università di Udine (@uniud) December 7, 2024
Focus on the frigidarium
The focus this year was on the frigidarium, the cold water pool section of the bathhouse. While digging, the team uncovered the ruins of a massive, semicircular room known as an apse. The structure measures roughly 100 feet wide and once stood several stories tall.
The apse dates back around 1,500 years. It originally opened onto the cold water pool hall and featured life-size statues that decorated its grand facade. Fragments of these statues – depicting gods, emperors, and important officials – were found among the ruins.
Matteo Cadario, the excavation director, described the apse as extraordinarily valuable and unique. He said the discovery highlights the original grandeur of the baths and their importance to the ancient Roman community.
Roman structure in Aquileia, Italy, reused over centuries
Historical records indicate that the bath complex was built around 300 A.D. and was abandoned by 500 A.D. After it fell out of use, residents repurposed the structure for housing. Eventually, they salvaged its materials for other building projects.
The Great Baths of Aquileia were larger and more elaborate than most buildings in the surrounding city. They were constructed after one of Rome’s co-emperors chose Aquileia as his administrative capital.
During the height of the Roman Empire, such bathhouses served not only as places to bathe but also as centers for social gatherings and physical training.
Layout of Roman bathhouses
Typical Roman bathhouses included pools of three different temperatures: hot, warm, and cold. The largest complexes, like Aquileia’s, often featured training rooms for athletes, making them significant community spaces.
The excavation team plans to continue their work next year, focusing on the warm water pools, according to the university. These future digs may reveal even more details about the daily lives of the people who used the baths.
A key historical site
Aquileia is located in northeastern Italy, about 400 miles northeast of Rome and near the border with Slovenia. Once a major Roman city, it remains an important archaeological site, offering insights into the grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire.
The discoveries at the Great Baths of Aquileia continue to enrich our understanding of Roman life, architecture, and culture. Each year of excavation brings new surprises, shedding light on a civilization that continues to shape history.
