Submerged Roman bathhouse in Baiae may be part of Cicero's villa
9 days ago
- #underwater discovery
- #ancient history
- #Roman archaeology
- Archaeologists discovered a remarkably preserved Roman bathhouse in the submerged ruins of Baiae, possibly linked to Marcus Tullius Cicero's villa.
- The site features an intact mosaic floor and suspensura system, an advanced Roman heating method, indicating it was a laconicum (sauna).
- Traces of ancient wall paintings and ceramic fragments found at the site may help determine its construction date and purpose.
- Baiae was a notorious Roman resort known for its luxury, healing springs, and elite visitors, including emperors like Nero and Hadrian.
- The city gradually sank due to volcanic bradyseism, leaving underwater ruins now part of a major archaeological park.
- Restoration of the laconicum will begin this fall, focusing on the mosaic floor and wall paintings, with hopes to confirm its connection to Cicero.