Uncovering the Past: Netherlands' Largest Roman Bathhouse Unearthed

Archaeologists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the Netherlands, unearthing the largest Roman bathhouse complex ever found in the country. The bathhouse, which stood in the Roman city of Ulpia Noviomagus, dates back to around AD 100 and is at least 4,900 square meters in size.

The excavation, carried out by RAAP and BAAC on a former industrial site in Nijmegen, has also uncovered housing blocks, streets, luxury townhouses, a tower, and tens of thousands of objects including jewelry, signet rings, coins, and bronze statues. The site is believed to have been a wealthy quarter of the city, home to a prosperous population around 1,800 to 1,900 years ago.

The Roman bathhouse was richly finished with marble-clad interior walls and floors made of black and white limestone tiles. Archaeologists have also found drainage channels and the remains of a hypocaust, a Roman underfloor and wall heating system. Hundreds of bone hairpins decorated with cat figures were also recovered, most likely carved by the same hand.

The discovery has also revised the city's history, suggesting that this quarter remained in use well into the third century, longer than previously assumed. Coins from the reign of Emperor Postumus, who ruled from AD 260 to 269, have been found on the site, providing evidence of the area's continued occupation.

Plans have been made to keep the remains visible in the new district, with some buildings featuring covered colonnade walkways.