Terme Taurine

The Terme Taurine (Taurine Baths) is a large ancient Roman bath complex about 4 km east of Civitavecchia. Also called the Baths of Trajan, it may have been connected to Trajan’s nearby villa because of its size and rich marble decoration. The site is now an archaeological park.

History

The first baths were built in 86 BC over natural sulfur springs. Emperors Trajan and Hadrian expanded the complex between 123–136 AD, making it a popular stop for travelers visiting the port of Centumcellae. The name may refer to Titus Statilius Taurus. The baths stayed in use until the 6th century, but were looted during the Gothic Wars and later abandoned. Excavations began in the 18th century, and the site reopened to visitors in 2020.

The Site 

The complex has two main sections: Republican and Imperial baths. Both include changing rooms, hot and cold pools, mosaics, and elaborate heating systems. The Republican baths feature a domed round room later turned into a dry-heat bath and a unique basilica-like caldarium. The larger Imperial baths include a vast heated pool, a library with marble decoration, and several latrines typical of Hadrianic architecture.

Address
SP7b, Civitavecchia, Italy

Established
86 BCE