Archaeologists in Naples, Italy, have recently stumbled upon a submerged ancient Roman bathhouse that could potentially belong to Marcus Tullius Cicero, one of Rome’s most influential orators and philosophers. The site, located in Portus Julius—a strategic port serving as Rome’s first permanent naval base—was officially announced by the Campi Flegrei Archaeological Park on August 6. While the bathhouse was first identified in 2023, recent documentation has brought its significance to light.
The bathhouse, situated approximately 10 feet underwater, exhibits advanced thermal engineering features, such as a suspensurae system that enabled its mosaic floors to heat up. This system, along with tubular structures along the walls, facilitated the circulation of hot air, creating a true sauna-like environment, or laconicum. These sophisticated design elements suggest a well-constructed and functional space for relaxation and public use, which was a hallmark of Roman culture.
Officials are cautiously optimistic that the structure might be part of Cicero’s villa, given its historical context. Cicero, known for his role in the Roman Republic and his translations of Greek philosophy into Latin, lived from 106 B.C. to 43 B.C. The site was built before the area was developed into a naval base in 37 B.C., which aligns with the timeline of Cicero’s life and activities. The bathhouse is believed to have been constructed in a period when the area was still a thriving part of the Roman Empire.
Archaeologists have also recovered ceramic materials that could provide crucial insights into the structure’s construction and the circumstances of its destruction. The ongoing restoration efforts, expected to continue through the autumn, will focus on the mosaic floor, which is partially encrusted with mortar remains, and the remnants of wall paintings that have been preserved in the submerged environment.
The discovery of this bathhouse is part of a broader trend of uncovering ancient Roman bathhouses across Europe and Asia Minor. In Turkey, for instance, archaeologists recently unearthed an ancient Roman bathhouse that still retained traces of its original engineering design. Similarly, in Rome’s Appian Way Regional Park, excavators found a Roman bathhouse that had been repurposed as a Christian baptistery after the fall of the Roman Empire. These discoveries underscore the enduring cultural and societal significance of Roman bathhouses, which served as central community spaces in ancient times.
As the research continues, the bathhouse in Naples may offer new perspectives on the daily lives of historical figures like Cicero and the broader Roman society. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of ancient Roman engineering and architecture but also highlight the importance of preserving and studying such heritage sites for future generations.