Archaeologists in Turkey have made a remarkable discovery: a 1,700-year-old Roman bathhouse that has been remarkably preserved, offering insights into the advanced engineering and luxurious lifestyle of the ancient Roman world. The structure, with its underfloor heating system and distinct temperature zones, is considered an ancient equivalent of a modern spa, according to the Anadolu Agency (AA). This discovery was made when a landowner, while planting sour cherry saplings in 2023, stumbled upon a Roman-era floor mosaic. Using underground imaging radar, archaeologists were able to locate the bathhouse approximately 230 feet south of the mosaic.
The bathhouse, measuring 75 square meters, dates back to the Late Roman era. Its features include sweat rooms, pools, and separate channels for clean water and wastewater, showcasing the sophisticated infrastructure of the time. Turkish officials have expressed their intention to open the site for tourism, highlighting its historical and cultural significance. Ahmet Demirdağ, the provincial director of culture and tourism, remarked on the area’s importance as an urban settlement with many significant remains. He noted, “Looking at it overall, we believe this area was an urban settlement, and we will continue our excavations.”
Excavation site archaeologist Emre Çayır emphasized the exceptional state of preservation of the bathhouse, stating, “The fact that this architectural layout has survived to the present day is important. In this respect, we can say the bath is truly a distinctive and important structure.” The bathhouse is part of a broader trend of archaeological discoveries in Turkey, where recent finds include a fifth-century Christian church with an ominous message, ancient bread from the Bronze Age, and other significant historical sites. These discoveries not only enrich our understanding of ancient civilizations but also underscore the region’s rich historical tapestry and potential for continued archaeological exploration.