Ostia Antica in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Latium, Rome, Italy — Central Italy (Tyrrhenian Coast)
Terme del Nuotatore
⎯⎯⎯
Swimmers' Baths
(Reg. V, Is. X, 3)
Inscription.
Costruite nella tarda etΰ flavia (fine I secolo d.C.), queste terme subirono importanti trasformazioni nel corso del II secolo, per poi essere precocemente abbandonate alla metΰ del III secolo d.C. Dal corridoio d'ingresso ricavato nel vicino Santuario della Bona Dea. attraverso un vestibolo (A) si poteva accedere sia al settore della palestra che alle sale termali. Il percorso termale iniziava con il frigidarium (sala per i bagni freddi) (B) pavimentato con un mosaico raffigurante un nuotatore, a cui seguivano due tepidaria (ambienti per bagni tiepidi) (C), uno dei quali decorato con stucchi, un laconicum (sala per sudare) (D) e due calidaria (sale con vasche calde) (E). Un'ampia cisterna a due piani (G) assicurava l'approvvigionamento idrico delle terme, alimentate anche dall'acquedotto cittadino mediante condutture plumbee.
Built in the late Flavian period (late 1st century AD), the baths underwent significant transformations during the 2nd century, and were then precociously abandoned in the mid-3rd century AD. The entrance corridor built through the nearby Sanctuary of the Bona Dea led into a vestibule (A) giving access both to the gymnasium sector and the bath rooms. A visit to the baths began in the frigidarium (room for cold baths) (B), which has a mosaic floor depicting a swimmer. This was followed by two tepidaria (rooms for warm baths) (C), one of which was decorated with stucco reliefs, a laconicum (steam room) (D) and two calidaria (rooms with hot baths) (E). A large two-storey cistern (G) guaranteed the baths' water supply, they were also fed by the city aqueduct through lead pipes.
Erected by Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 89 CE.
Location. 41° 45.267′ N, 12° 17.498′ E. Marker is in Ostia Antica, Lazio (Latium, Rome), in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale. It is on Viale degli Scavi. The marker is in Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Viale degli Scavi, Ostia Antica, Lazio 00119, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mitreo di Felicissimo / Mithraeum of Felicissimus (a few steps from this marker); Fullonica su Via degli Augustali / Fullery on the Road of the Augustales (within shouting distance of this marker); Tempio Collegiale dei Fabri Tignuarii / Temple of the Builders Guild (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Quattro Tempietti / Four Small Temples (about 120 meters away); In Memoriam Sanctae Monnicae / In Memory of Saint Monica (about 150 meters away); Horrea di Ortensio e Horrea dell'Artemide / The Warehouses of Hortensius and Artemis (about 150 meters away); Ninfei Ai Lati del Teatro e c.d. Oratorio Cristiano / Nymphaeums and the Christian Oratorio (about 150 meters away); The Martyrs of Ostia Tiberina (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ostia Antica.
Also see . . . Terme del Nuotatore.
Excerpt: "The baths were built in the years 89-90 AD, during the reign of Domitian (opus reticulatum and latericium). A major rebuilding took place during the reign of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. Minor modifications could be dated to the period of Marcus Aurelius and the Severan Emperors. The last signs of life in the building have been dated to c. 230-250 AD. The building was then plundered, and used as a rubbish dump. It is known especially for an important dump of amphorae."(Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 13 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
