Archaeologists in Serbia have uncovered a lavishly appointed Roman bath complex within the imperial palace of Maximinus Daza, who ruled as emperor from 310 to 313. The uniquely designed bath, featuring heated floors, multiple pools, and a sauna, was located inside a tower – an architectural arrangement previously unknown in the Roman Empire.
The ancient bath complex, known as a *balneum*, was discovered at the Vrelo-Šarkamen archaeological site in eastern Serbia. The site is a monumental fortified residential complex occupied by Galerius Valerius Maximinus, also known as Maximinus Daza. Excavations have been ongoing for decades, with the latest discovery made by a research team from the Institute of Archaeology.
Maximinus Daza was one of the four Roman “tetrarchs” established by Emperor Diocletian in 293, who divided the Roman Empire into Eastern and Western halves, each governed by a senior and junior ruler. By 305, Constantius and Galerius were senior emperors, while Severus and Maximinus Daza served as junior rulers. The tetrarchy began to disintegrate, and Maximinus briefly claimed the title of senior emperor in 301 before dying in 313 after losing a civil war to Licinius.
The newly discovered bath complex reveals the palace was more complex and luxurious than previously understood. The *balneum* was situated on the lowest level of a monumental tower in the palace’s southwest corner. Unlike typical Roman baths which were arranged linearly, this bath was circular. The structure included a domed ceiling with six windows, demonstrating a high level of engineering skill.
The bath was divided into two sections: one containing equipment for operation and another for bathing and relaxation. Archaeologists found the furnace used to heat the floors and the base for a copper boiler used to heat the water, though the boiler itself is missing. The bathing suite contained three pools and a *sudatorium*, the Latin term for a steam bath or sauna. According to a statement, “the complex was not simply a space intended for personal hygiene,”
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy