Aquae Iasae was the Roman settlement and Roman bath in the area of present city Varaždinske Toplice.

In the 3rd century BC, in this area lived the Illyrian tribe Jasi, whose name the Romans referred to later in calling this place Aquae Iasae, 'Waters of the Jasi'. The village Jasa, thanks to its springs of water, grew into a significant medical, ceremonial, cultural and economic center of Pannonia Superior.

But the biggest boom was seen under the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 4th centuries. The public part of the Roman settlement was located on the highest terrace of the hill Varaždin spa, today the park and archaeological site. The residential part of Aquae Iasae was on the terraces that descend to the foot of the hill in the foothills of the craft-established commercial and trade show facilities.

At the end of 3rd century AD Aquae Iasae were ravaged during the incursion of the Goths, then in the beginning of the 4th century the thermae were restored by Emperor Constantine. The resort was completely ruined and deserted in the 4th century during the invasions of the Migration period.

Archaeological excavations

Intensive archaeological excavation and research have continued since 1953, under the Department of Ancient Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, led by professor Marcel Gorenc. Then in the spa park, discovered complex of Roman architecture from the 1st - 4th century CE, in area of 6000 m2.

This circuit consisted of spa parts, which make up the building with swimming pools and the basilica, the Forum with porches located around the main thermal sources, and Capitol with the temples of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. The excavations at the site uncovered numerous remains: parts of swords, shields, knives, razors, imperial coins (which were thrown into the pool for good luck), lots of statues of nymphs (nymfus salutaris, the goddess of healing) and the well preserved marble pavement of the 2nd century.

The most valuable finding is the statue of the goddess Minerva with a pedestal, was found in 1967 at the entrance to the temple. Minerva wears a legionary helmet, wields a copper spear and shield, and instead of hair has snakes (the pharmacy). This statue was built in the 2nd century in Poetovio, and had him make a councilor as a votive gift of healing.

More recent research in the Forum has discovered the ancient spring-fed Roman pool. This pool has the dimensions of 8x13.5 meters and the depth is 2.6 meters. The natural source of the baths' thermal water, was fenced in by large stone blocks. So far, the only similar example of such a pool is known in the Roman settlement of Aquae Sulis (Bath) in England.

Specific conditions of soil around the springs of water, and travertine deposits, have given rise to good preservation of Roman architecture, so that this complex is one of the best preserved Roman sites in Croatia.

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Details

Founded: 0-300 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Croatia

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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User Reviews

Cris Golec (14 months ago)
Ancient Roman ruins could be better developed, but amazing history nonetheless. Lorena was a superb guide!
Janko Sladović (14 months ago)
Nice place to visit if you're in Varazdinske Toplice, well preserved Roman excavation site, you can enter the enclosed area for a small fee (1 Euro when we were there) and ask the employee for a quick tour, which is well worth the time. It's not very popular so you can expect it not to be too crowded.
Viktor Mijić (16 months ago)
Interesting Roman archaeology and hot spring. Situated next to a beautiful forest park with walking paths and wooden benches. Great place for peace and quiet, reading, walking etc. Cafe bar "Nympha" is almost next-door which is handy!
Michiel Auerbach (2 years ago)
Wauw ? great place, make sure to ask for a tour!!
Jurica Parsic (3 years ago)
Hot springs and pool with sauna remains from Roman era. There is a museum nearby but it was closed. Also you have pictures of reconstructed original buildings and info about history and various stages of excavations. To the north there is a park where you can enjoy in the shade of big trees. During summer there is a festival where they reenact the Roman times and hold Roman games, various workshops and present dishes inspired by Romans.
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