Inside a modern covered building in today’s Caerleon you can still explore the remains of the immense natatio, or open-air swimming pool, that once held more than 80,000 gallons of water.
The legionary soldiers of Isca were originally from northern Italy, Provence and southern Spain. Even in chilly Wales, at the farthest corner of the Roman empire, they would have expected some of the comforts of home.
The fortress baths didn’t disappoint. They were a combination of state-of-the-art leisure centre and spa retreat. After bathing the legionaries could play ball games or gamble, meet friends, visit a masseur or even buy a pastry or a roast duck.
This wasn’t a completely men-only experience. Women and small children also used the Caerleon baths, although not at the same time as the soldiers. Mixed bathing was officially frowned on by Roman emperors.
Bathers often wore their rings and other jewellery – pilfering from lockers wasn’t unknown. This explains a superb collection of 88 engraved gemstones rescued from the bathhouse drain, all on display in the museum.
Website
cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caerleon-roman-fortress-and-baths#overview
Email address
CaerleonFortressBaths@gov.wales
Telephone number
Address
Caerleon Roman Fortress Baths, High St, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1AE
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