Roman Thermae of Maximinus

Braga, Portugal

The Roman Thermae of Maximinus are the archaeological ruins of a monumental building and public baths, whose construction was integrated into the urban renewal of the civitas of Bracara Augusta (later Braga), the Roman provincial capital of Gallaecia. The large public/civic construction consisted of a building, housing the baths, and a theatre, although the archaeological excavations continue.

From excavations completed in the region, the thermae complex was constructed in the second half of the 1st century BCE and persisted in some form until the end of the 3rd century. Around the 2nd century, a theatre was constructed. At the end of the 3rd century, the complex was profoundly remodelled, resulting in the substantial reduction in the total area occupied by the thermae; the remodelling of the urban structure was part of the ongoing redesign of Bracara Augusta, into the provincial capital of Gallaecia by Diocletian. This meant that by the 4th century even the theatre was deactivated, and the stones used to construct the city walls. In fact, the remnants encountered confirm the existence of three periods of construction, starting with the first, which corresponds to the pre-thermae period of Julius Caesar and Claudius. The second cycle occurred during the reigns of Flavius and Anthony, represented by the presence of the public baths, which used the pre-existing structure. Finally, the third phase was initially marked by the remodelling of the building, with its courtyard dramatically reduced. By the 5th century, the building and thermal baths were abandoned.

Architecture

The plan of the building, located on one of the higher hilltops in the municipality of Braga, has not still be completely uncovered.

The complex is of a reasonably large dimension, constructed in the second half of the 1st century, which functioned until the 5th century. Its initial layout included two hot areas and, likely, two areas for autonomous services. These spaces were considerably restricted during the Dicoletian remodelling between the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Following the entrance to the thermae, is the apodyterium (dressing spaces), with natatio (cold pools), before entering the palaestra (gymnasium) or frigidarium (cold baths) followed by tepidarium (warm baths) and caldarium (hot chambers), which were heated by the hypocaust (underground structures formed by arches or pillars, which allowed the circulation of hot air) from the praefurnium (furnace).

The site has not yet been total excavated, resulting in a number of archaeological and temporal questions.

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Details

Founded: 1st century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Portugal

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Waner Tavares (6 months ago)
the city has several places with roman ruins. at the thermae, the staff was polite and helpful!
Alexa Halford (10 months ago)
If traveling abroad make sure to bring student id or teacher I'd, they give a discount here. It's only a few euro to enter and a short visit, but so worth it! They had an interesting video about how people used the baths throughout history and you can see how the amphitheater is being excavated and sits right in the back yard of some folks. Such a neat way to see history and see how we have been building from there, how it's impacted our cities and towns today, and makes you wonder how our choices today will impact the future.
Tassia Accioly (13 months ago)
Very interesting roman baths ruin in the middle of the city. The excavations were well done and are well kept to this day. The price to visit is 2 euros for a full ticket and 1 euro for teachers, students and elderly people. It's well signed and very empty, so you can enjoy a tranquil visit.
Andrew I (15 months ago)
Decently kept Roman bath to get a touch of feeling ancient Romans life. Not must see, but as a 15-minute stop, it's ok. Really friendly stuff.
Giuseppe De Chellis (2 years ago)
Is part of history how the people relax and socialise on the Thermes,
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