Roman Baths at Bath

The Roman Baths complex was constructed following the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 CE, with major development of the bathing and temple complex occurring over the subsequent centuries. The site was built around natural thermal springs that had been considered sacred since pre-Roman times. The complex includes the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple dedicated to Sulis Minerva, and the Roman Bath House.

The Sacred Spring is the natural thermal spring at the heart of the Roman Baths complex, from which hot mineral-rich water rises at a rate of over a million liters per day at approximately 46°C. The Romans built a temple around the spring dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva. Thousands of Roman coins and lead curse tablets have been recovered from the spring as votive offerings.

No, swimming in the historic Roman Baths is not permitted because the water is untreated and considered a health hazard. However, visitors can bathe in the thermal waters at the modern Thermae Bath Spa, located nearby in the same city. The Roman Baths site functions as an archaeological museum and one of the UK's most visited tourist attractions.

The Romans identified the local Celtic goddess Sulis with their own goddess Minerva, creating the syncretic deity Sulis Minerva. The Roman Temple at the complex was dedicated to her, and many of the curse tablets and offerings recovered from the Sacred Spring were addressed to her by name. Visitors sought her help with matters ranging from healing to the recovery of stolen property.