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Roman Baths

Photo by A S

The history...

In the city of Bath, England, there’s a place where people have soaked in hot water for nearly 2,000 years. The Romans built the baths around natural hot springs, which bubble up from deep underground. The water is always warm, about 46°C (115°F), and pours out at over a million liters a day!

Back then, the Romans called the place Aquae Sulis. They believed the spring was magical and named it after their goddess Minerva and a local goddess named Sulis. People came from far away to bathe, relax, and pray. They threw coins, jewelry, and even little metal notes called curse tablets into the spring, asking the gods for help or to punish someone who wronged them.

The biggest pool, called the Great Bath, was once covered by a huge roof. Next to it were rooms with hot, warm, and cold baths. Bathing was a big deal—it was like going to a spa, gym, and temple all in one visit.

After the Romans left Britain, the baths were forgotten for a long time. Later, in the 1700s and 1800s, people started fixing up the site. They built the fancy Pump Room where visitors could sip the spring water, thinking it might heal them.

Today, the Roman Baths are one of the top places to visit in the UK. You can't swim there anymore, but you can walk around the old stones, see Roman statues, and even listen to stories through fun audio guides for kids. If you really want to try the hot spring water, the nearby Thermae Bath Spa lets grown-ups take a dip in modern pools.

It’s like stepping back into Roman times.

Sources: Wikipedia, Roman Baths, Britannica