Built centuries ago by the Romans, Bath is one of the most beautiful, historic, and visited cities in England.

 

The Romans came here when they invaded Britain because of the hot springs that bubble up from the Earth. The local people thought this place had spiritual significance and, when the Romans came, they too felt the same and dedicated this site to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Despite being on the edge of the frontier, the city grew to become a major religious and cultural center. People came from all around to pray to Minerva and use the baths, which they believed had special healing powers.

 

After the Roman Empire crumbled, so too did the baths of Bath. Over the centuries, the Roman structures collapsed and the city was built over them. Medieval leaders eventually constructed their own baths, and pilgrims came to the hot springs in order to be healed of various ailments. But time and construction hid the original Roman structure, and all was forgotten. A new spa was constructed nearby, and life in Bath went on.

 

In the early 19th century, the owners of the house on top of the original baths hired a crew to find the source of water leaks and stumbled upon the ancient structure. Subsequent digging revealed the whole complex, and soon excavations were under way to unearth this historic treasure. Today, most of the structure has been unearthed, though archaeologists suspect there are still a few more buildings in the area.