Aquae Sulis Flashcards
How many litres of water did the natural springs produce in a day and at what temperature?
Over a million, between 46 and 49 degrees centigrade.
What kind of mineral content does the water have?
A low one, consisting of mainly calcium, magnesium and sodium
Which goddess did the celts believe could cure their illness, and how, who did the Romans like her with?
Sulis, through immersion in the hot springs, Minerva.
What did the Romans build in Aqua Sulis and why?
Public baths, so that visitors could enjoy them
What was the spring enclosed with?
A lead-lined reservoir
What did the main bath include?
Three plunge baths, filled with water brought by lead pipes.
How was the suite of warm and hot baths heated?
By a hypocaust.
Name two conditions that were relieved through the heat of the water?
Rheumatism and Arthritis.
Give to examples to prove that people travelled from afar to Aquae Sulis.
Tombstones of Rusonia Aventima from Eastern Gaul and of Julius Vitalis from the twentieth legion based at Chester.
What was next to the baths?
The religious area.
What did the Romans construct in the sacred area?
A temple, the sacred precinct.
What was inside the temple?
A statue of the goddess
What was another function of the baths complex, and what is it called?
To spread Roman culture, Romanisation.
What did the town of Aquae Sulis contain?
A basilica, theatre, houses and inns.
What would visitors throw into the springs, and why?
Gemstones and jewellery as offerings and curses or charms as a request to the goddess.
