Roman Bath Discovered - Softcover

Cunliffe, Professor Barry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0752419021 ISBN 13: 9780752419022

Publisher: The History Press, 2009

Synopsis

The finding, in 1727, of the gilded bronze head of the Roman goddess Minerva during the construction of the famous Stall Street led to the discovery of the Roman temple and of the baths. Since then archaeologists have discovered more and more about the Roman city of Aquae Sulis.

In this new edition of a work first published almost thirty years ago, Professor Cunliffe brings the story right up to date. He deals in detail with the temple and its precinct and with the 'curse tablets' which have been deciphered to reveal the thoughts of Roman visitors. He then explains just how the bathing establishment was organized and explores the relationship between the spa and the town. We learn what life was like for the local inhabitants as well as for the visitors. Finally he charts the process of decline and decay during the 300 years after the Roman period.

About this title

About the Author

BARRY CUNLIFFE is one of Britain's most eminent archaeologists and an assiduous excavator in many regions of Europe. The author of many books and a well-known radio and TV presenter, he is Professor of European Archaeology at Oxford University, a former presdent of the Society of Antiquaries and a Fellow of the British Academy.

From the Back Cover

Barry Cunliffe, the great modern excavator of Bath, brings the Roman spa centre to life.

The finding in 1727, of the gilded bronze head of the Roman goddess Minerva during the construction of the famour Stall Street led to the discovery of the Roman temple and of the baths. Since then archaeologists have discovered more and more about the Roman city of Aquae Sulis.

In this new edition of a work first published almost thirty years ago, Professor Cunliffe brings the story right up to date. He deals in detail with the temple and its precinct and with the 'curse tablets' which have been deciphered to reveal the thoughts of Roman visitors. He then explains just how the bathing establishment was organized and explores the relationship between the spa and the town. We learn what life was like for the local inhabitants as well as for the visitors. Finally he charts the process of decline and decay during the 300 years after the Roman period.

Professor Barry Cunliffe became director of the Bath Excavation Committee when it formed in 1963. Since then he has maintained a constant involvement in the city and its archaeology. Currently he is a Director of the Bath Archaeological Trust.

Edition details

• Publisher: The History Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0752419021
• ISBN 13: 9780752419022
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 176