Labraunda
Large Roman thermae lay at the southernmost part of the sanctuary precinct, occupying about 1,000 m2. The baths partly rest on a rebuilt Late Classical terrace, which is more or less aligned with the South Propylaea further to the east. It may, therefore, be the southern remnants of the Classical temenos wall. The thermae complex (now called the South Baths) is the largest structure within the temenos precinct and the building is arranged in two rows of what seem to be at least seven rooms. The size of the South Bath is noteworthy and actually akin to the largest urban baths of the neighbouring region of Lykia.
Restored plan of South Bath.
(J. Blid)
The coarse, concrete construction technique seen in the South Bath does not appear to be similar to the first-century East Baths of Labraunda, and is not recorded elsewhere in second-century architecture at the sanctuary. The mortared concrete seen in the walls of the South Baths rather resemble the core of the walls of the Tetraconch at Labraunda, which may offer a local chronological analogy. I therefore suggest that the South Bath should be dated to the period ranging from the second half of the third to the early fourth century AD.
Source: Felicium Temporum Reparatio: Labraunda in Late Antiquity (c. AD 300-600), Stockholm 2012, 226-235.
Traces of two piscinae were excavated in different areas of the baths during the campaign of 1953. Traces of a heated pool (measuring 3 x 2 m) were found in the recessed wall area above the hypocaust, directly south of the praefurnium. The second example was a semicircular pool excavated inside the large projecting apse on the southern side of the baths. It measured c. 7.5 m in width and c. 3.5 m in depth - the traces of the pool have almost disappeared today.
Proposal of reconstruction of South Baths
(J. Blid)
THE SITE
Ancient authors about Labraunda
Inside the Sanctuary
Andron B and C Terraces and the East Stoa
Outside the sanctuary
Bibliography
Papers, notes and other studies
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