Aquae Sulis and baths Flashcards
where is Aquae Sulis?
In the valley of the river Avon, in the modern city of Bath
What lies here?
A mineral spring full of very warm water
Why did early Celts find this sacred?
mineral springs in Britain are super rare. so they thought this water would cure their ills.
What goddess did they worship at the springs?
Sulis
What did the Romans do when they discovered these springs?
built bath houses.
How did they contain all the water from the springs?
built a huge reservoir made of massive bricks and lead pipes
that filled 3 large baths from the spring.
how were the baths heated?
hypocaust (with a caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium)
Because this place was seen as holy, what else was built near the baths?
temple
the temple was built in what style ?
cella
describe the cella style?
porch, Corinthian columns, richly decorated pediment.
describe the pediment?
Celtic male with long mustache, fierce brow and flowing hair…with Minerva’s owl and helmet below.
What tribe live in Aquae Sulis?
Cogidubnus may have had some control here before Romans arrived and may have played a role in the buildings.
What kinds of things would people buy here to throw into the springs and river for good luck?
good luck charms such as gems and jewelry.
