Roman Baths: Aims 2006

The Roman Baths at Sagalassos have been under excavation since 1995, thanks to a generous grant made available by the family of L. Lamberts Van Assche. The complex was built on a natural hill located to the east of the Lower Agora, as part of a general reorganization of the Lower Agora and its surroundings. Early in the second century A.D., most probably during the reign of Hadrian (A.D. 117 -138), the top of the hill was leveled and all previous construction dismantled. At the same time, its surface was enlarged considerably by the construction of a substantial artificial terrace, composed of at least five ca. 100m large vaulted rooms. Four of these rooms and their connecting corridors have already been investigated. Most of these rooms never served any specific purpose. Only during late antiquity, most probably after the early sixth century A.D. earthquake when the whole complex was under reconstruction, was one of these rooms transformed into a public lavatory with a capacity of ca. 50 visitors. Another room served as a kind of vestibule, giving access by a stairway from the lower Agora to the actual bathing section. The latter was installed on the top floor of the whole complex.

In 2006, we intend to continue our excavations in the following areas of the upper floor:

1. During this campaign priority will be given to the excavation of the south facade of the Baths building. For practical reasons (accessibility of the trenches by the crane) the excavation of the southern edge of the building will be a prerequisite to be able to continue the work in the eastern part of the Baths.


2. The frigidarium (F 1), east of Caldarium 2: Excavations in the large cold water bath exposed in 2001 were continued during the 2005 campaign. According to the possibilities of time and transporting the excavation earth, the presence of large ashlar blocks from the pillars that supported the roof, and safety, the excavation of this room will continue towards the east and south.


3. If time permits it or if conservation would interrupt the work on the south side, the excavation activity in the eastern section of the Roman Baths, defined by six pillars, will be continued.