Medical Hydrology and Balneology: Environmental Aspects

Archaeology and Healing Spas: a value added
in the differentiation and prestige of baths using
mineral-medicinal water
González S (1)
(1) Department of Archaeology. University of Vigo and University of
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
silviatui2004@yahoo.es
Introduction and Objectives
In the last years, thanks to the increase of interdisciplinary studies about mineralmedicinal
waters in which archaeologists have taken part, we have a more complete
outlook about thermal spas. The discovery of new archaeological testimonies is
revealing new information about the origins and the singular evolution of a selected
number of mineral springs.
Materials and Methods
To give a comprehensive overview of the situation of these thermal complexes
in the Ancient World, we have started to make a complete bibliographic collection
of the archaeological evidences present in the thermal baths with a longer historic
tradition. In this sense, the study has been based on three main aspects: written
documentation, architectonic plans and archaeological remains. This information is
being introduced into a database and into a GIS system in order to discover the
meaning and the dispersal of these complexes in the Ancient World.
Results
In this way, we are preparing a detailed description of Roman healing baths with
scientific-analytic criteria. This study will make it possible to understand the singularities
of these buildings as opposed to other ancient baths using common water
(from a functional, cultural, social, political and architectonic point of view).
Conclusions
So, according to our ongoing research , we defend the interest held in the archaeological
remains to understand the origin of modern healing spas. Their study
will allow us to show a rigorous historical trajectory of these places, to increase the
interest in mineral springs (for example from a historical perspective, including
them in tourist guide books or in archaeological routes), and recover the prestige
that healing spas had in the Ancient World.
Keywords : Archaeology, Roman Healing Spas, History, Tourism, Thermal Baths
Balnea 447
ISBN: 978-84-669-1887-0
978-84-669-3482-4
2012, núm. 6, 447