Archaeologists Discover 1,800-Year Old Roman Bathhouse in Jerusalem

By Mary Elizabeth Dallas

Israeli archaeologists have discovered an 1,800-year old Roman bathhouse likely used by the soldiers of Rome’s Tenth Legion, according to the Israel Antiquities Authority. The group says the discovery sheds light on the scope of Aelia Capitolina, the city that was founded on the Second Temple period ruins of Jerusalem and that defined the character of ancient Jerusalem as we know it today.
The surprise discovery includes the mark of Rome's Tenth Legion - LEG X FR “Frentensis” – on the bathhouse tiles. Also discovered was the paw print of a dog. The animal probably belonged to one of the soldiers, excavation director Ofer Sion said. “The paw print was impressed on the symbol of the legion on one of the roof tiles and it could have happened accidentally or have been intended as a joke,” Sion concluded.
During the excavation a number of plastered bathtubs in the side of the pool were uncovered. Incorporated in the side of the pool is a pipe used to fill it with water and on the floor of the pool is a white industrial mosaic pavement. Hundreds of terra cotta roof tiles were also found on the floors of the pool, indicating it was a covered structure.
The new find, together with other discoveries of recent years, shows that the city was considerably larger than what we previously estimated. Information about Aelia Capitolina is extremely valuable and can contribute greatly to research on Jerusalem,” notes Dr. Yuval Baruch, the Jerusalem District archaeologist of the Israel Antiquities Authority
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