Massive Roman Bath Complex Unearthed in Nijmegen
Archaeologists in Nijmegen, Netherlands, have uncovered a massive Roman bath complex spanning nearly 5,000 square meters, the largest ever found in the country. Dating back about 2,000 years, the site includes well-preserved bathhouses, pipes, and canals, along with luxury city dwellings, streets, and a tower. Thousands of artifacts were discovered, including ornate hairpins, coins, jewelry, a bust of Bacchus, and four bone dice, indicating the area's wealthy inhabitants. The baths featured marble walls, black-and-white tile floors, underfloor heating, and colorful wall paintings. Part of the complex was first discovered 30 years ago, but its full extent surprised archaeologists. Excavations began in September 2023 and are set to conclude in July 2024, with some ruins preserved for a new development.
Key facts
- The bath complex is nearly 5,000 square meters, the largest Roman baths in the Netherlands.
- The site is located in Nijmegen, known in Roman times as Ulpia Noviomagus.
- The baths are about 2,000 years old and well-preserved.
- Artifacts include ornate hairpins, coins, jewelry, a bust of Bacchus, and four bone dice.
- The baths had marble walls, black-and-white tiles, underfloor heating, and wall paintings.
- Part of the complex was discovered 30 years ago, but the full scale was unknown.
- Excavations started in September 2023 and will finish in July 2024.
- The site will be partially preserved for a new residential area.
Entities
Institutions
- City of Nijmegen
Locations
- Nijmegen
- Netherlands
- Ulpia Noviomagus
- North Rhine-Westphalia