Construction workers uncover a 2nd century Roman bath

A bathhouse has been discovered in Baden, Switzerland, which was part of an ancient Roman spa complex. The discovery was made during construction work in the Kurplatz city centre. Archaeologists have dated the discovery to the second half of the 1st century to the early 2nd century. The bath was connected to a much older pipe that brought water from nearby sulphur springs.

The present-day city of Baden was built by the Romans two thousand years ago (around the year 20) and was named Aquae Helveticae. The founding of the town followed shortly after the discovery of hot springs on the left bank of the Limmat River within sight of the legionary camp of Vindonissa (now Windisch). A civilian settlement soon grew up around the mineral baths. Although the town was sacked during the turbulent 'Year of the Four Emperors' (69 AD), it was rebuilt quite quickly. The pipeline in question dates from the time of this reconstruction.

The strongly mineralised springs with a pleasant temperature of 47 °C, combined with the proximity of the river and the distance available from Zurich made Aquae Helveticae a popular and easily accessible destination throughout the Roman period and beyond. Even during the decline of the Roman Empire, the baths were in continuous operation. In the 4th century, after experiencing an onslaught of Germanic invaders, a defensive wall was built around the city.

Although there is no surviving documentation of the use of the baths after the collapse of the empire, archaeological evidence suggests that at least some of the city's bathing facilities remained in use until the 9th century. century. At the beginning of the 13th century, the Aquae Helveticae was rebuilt and given a new name, Baden, meaning 'baths or baths' (from the German).

Most of the ancient Roman town and baths are located below the current spa centre. The medieval, as well as the present-day thermal baths were built directly above the original Roman site. Until now, however, few historical sources from that time have been found, leaving open the question of whether the Roman spa infrastructure was still in use after the collapse of the empire. The newly discovered bathhouse is a key clue to the answers; especially thanks to a pipe that was also used in the late medieval reconstruction of Baden.

Andrea Schaer, head of the rescue archaeology project, said they were "delighted with the new evidence of the 2,000-year-old history of the spa industry in Baden," and believes that new discoveries will come that will provide further substantial information about the town's history. "We thought we might find a bathhouse here, but we were very surprised to see that it was in such good condition," she said.

Along with the pool, a reservoir was also discovered to catch spring water, which although dating back to the Middle Ages, was built directly on top of the original Roman structure. According to Andrea Schaer, both finds are truly "spectacular" for archaeologists.

Roman Nemec

Sources: swissinfo.ch, thehistoryblog.com, aargauerzeitung.ch