A remarkable Roman bath complex has been uncovered in Serbia, showcasing advanced design and luxury. This bath complex, featuring three pools and a sauna, was built for Emperor Maximinus Daza, who ruled briefly before his death in a civil war. Known as a balneum in Latin, this site is located at Vrelo-Šarkamen, an archaeological area in Serbia’s eastern region that has been excavated for many years.
While a large stone tower was previously recognized at the site, the existence of the balneum beneath it was unknown to archaeologists. The layout of the bathing complex is unique; researchers from Serbia’s Institute of Archeology noted that the circular design with a domed ceiling and high windows differs from the typical lateral layouts seen in Roman baths, which were built for easier plumbing.
The ground floor of the bath had features like a furnace for heating floors and a space for a large copper boiler that would have supplied hot water to the pools, although the boiler was not found during the excavation. The site also included a sudatorium, or sauna, which relates to the Italian word for “sweated,” sudato.
Maximinus Daza, originally named Galerius Valerius Maximinus, was a subordinate ruler in the Tetrarch system established by Diocletian, where the empire was split into eastern and western regions, each governed by an emperor and a junior ruler. Daza was appointed to his position by his uncle, also named Galerius, a decision that contributed to a civil war, ultimately leading to Daza’s loss against a rival named Licinius.
Interestingly, Maximinus Daza was the last individual in history to hold the title of Pharaoh of Egypt, as he was a pagan emperor rather than a Christian one. Archaeologists plan to continue their work at the bath complex, hoping to find more insights about this historic site. What are your thoughts on this discovery?
Sources:
Source: Good News Network, by Good News Network