Aquae Sulis

Question 1

Where was it situated?

Answer 1

Modern city of Bath, valley of river Avon

Question 2

Overall layout

Answer 2

-hot mineral springs of water (calcium, magnesium, sodium)
-most important part: sacred spring (enclosed in large reservoir)
-main building: long, rectangular structure, largest set of baths west of Rome
-3 main plunge baths filled with constant supply of water from spring with lead pipes at pleasant temp.
-suite of hot, warm and cold baths, heated by hypocaust

Question 3

The religion at Aquae Sulis

Answer 3

-spring was already sacred under the Britons-Celts- worship of goddess Sulis (power to heal through immersion in her sacred waters)
-romans acknowledged its religious significance and built bath complex: tool of political-imperial propaganda, to spread Roman customs + beliefs in newly conquered province??
-temple constructed and sanctuary developed
-writhing temple, bronze statue of Sulis Minerva- linking Celtic goddess Sulis with Roman Minerva- romans encouraged Britons to accept power of Roman goddess of healing, wisdom and arts and associate it with their own goddess (religious syncretism)
-visitors travelled long distances to visit; relief from arthritis.. and ‘miraculous cures’ for other diseases- (one elderly woman, Rusonia Aventina, travelled from eastern Gaul to Aqua Sulis, died age 58
-visitors left or threw them into Aquae Sulis ‘curse and love tablets’