Roman thermae of Allon

Imagine stepping back in time to the splendor of ancient Rome, where public baths were not just places for bathing but centers of social life, relaxation, and even business transactions. Nestled in the modern town of La Vila Joiosa in Spain, the Roman thermae of Allon, known locally as the Termas públicas monumentales de Allon, offer a fascinating glimpse into this bygone era. Constructed between 85 and 110 AD, these monumental public baths were a testament to the architectural prowess and societal sophistication of the Romans.

The Historical Significance

The Roman thermae of Allon were built shortly after the town of Allon was granted the status of municipium by Emperor Vespasian in 73/74 AD. This significant upgrade in status likely spurred the construction of the baths, which served as a public institution reflecting the town's elevated prestige. The thermae remained in use until the first half of the 4th century AD, standing as a testament to their enduring importance in Roman daily life.

Architectural Marvels

The thermae complex spans an impressive 900 square meters, with the main bath building occupying approximately 250 square meters. The remaining area comprises roads and service areas essential for the operation of the baths. The construction techniques used are a fascinating blend of Roman engineering and local materials. The walls are made of opus caementicium, a type of Roman concrete, interspersed with large stone blocks at the corners and intersections for added stability.

The Caldarium

At the heart of the complex lies the caldarium, the hot room, characterized by its rectangular layout and a grand semicircular arch made of limestone blocks. This room is divided into three distinct areas: a central square space, a rectangular pool (alveus principal) to the north, and a smaller pool to the southwest. The caldarium was heated by a furnace (praefurnium) located at the northern end, which funneled hot air through a hypocaust system beneath the floor, ensuring a warm and inviting environment for bathers.

The Tepidarium

Adjacent to the caldarium is the tepidarium, the warm room, which served as a transitional space for bathers adjusting from the hot caldarium to the cooler frigidarium. The tepidarium is divided into two rooms by a thick wall, with doorways allowing the passage of warm air. This room was essential for maintaining the thermal gradient necessary for the Roman bathing experience.

The Frigidarium

The frigidarium, or cold room, is another highlight of the thermae. Although its full dimensions are not entirely known due to excavation limits, it features a rectangular layout with a width of 12.65 meters. The focal point of the frigidarium is a large, paved pool accessed via a fan-shaped staircase in the northwest corner. The pool's interior is lined with signinum, a waterproof mortar, ensuring a cool and refreshing dip for bathers.

Surrounding Structures

Surrounding the main bath building are several ancillary service rooms, constructed with irregular masonry bonded with mud. These rooms are distributed across three areas—north, west, and east—each following a similar rectangular layout and orientation as the main building. These service areas were crucial for the operational logistics of the thermae, housing everything from storage rooms to staff quarters.

Industrial and Funerary Context

The site of the Roman thermae of Allon is not only significant for its baths but also for its earlier industrial and funerary uses. Excavations have revealed structures dating back to the 4th to 1st centuries BC, including a water collection basin, a small smelting furnace, and a cremation tomb from the Republican era. These findings suggest that the area was a bustling hub of activity long before the construction of the thermae.

The Road to Allon

Access to the thermae was facilitated by a well-constructed road, remnants of which have been uncovered during excavations. This road connected the baths to the rest of the town and its surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of the thermae within the urban landscape of Allon.

While the Roman thermae of Allon are currently not open to the public, their discovery in 2007 has shed light on the rich history and architectural ingenuity of ancient Rome. These baths stand as a monumental reminder of a time when public bathing was an integral part of daily life, offering a place for relaxation, socialization, and community bonding. As we await the day when these remarkable ruins can be visited, the Roman thermae of Allon continue to inspire awe and admiration for the advanced civilization that once thrived in La Vila Joiosa.