Trier Imperial Baths

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UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

Location of Trier Imperial Baths in Germany

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Trier Imperial Baths (Rhineland-Palatinate)

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The Trier Imperial Baths (German: Kaiserthermen) are a large Roman bath complex in Trier, Germany. The complex was constructed in the early 4th century AD, during the reign of Constantine I. During that time, Trier was a major imperial hub, being a primary residence for Constantine's son Crispus. The baths were built around hot water pools reaching 40°C.^[1] Underneath the complex was a network of underground passageways used by the staff which can still be seen today, along with the remains of the sewer system.^[1] However, the baths were never completed and were made into a castle in the Middle Ages.^[2]

History

Roman Period

Constantius Chlorus initiated construction of the baths shortly before 300 C.E. and construction ceased around 316 C.E. with the baths still incomplete. Like Imperial baths found in Rome, such as the Baths of Caracalla or the Baths of Trajan, the Trier Imperial Baths were divided into two parts, the thermae and the palaestra. The palaestra measures 160 by 130 meters, while the main bath building is west of these exercise grounds.