Roman 'cold plunge' pool, floor mosaic discovered in ancient Turkish gymnasium complex

Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Tralleis in Turkey's southwestern Aydin province have unearthed significant Roman-era finds. As part of the "Legacy for the Future" project, a 2,000-year-old pool was discovered within the frigidarium, or cold room, of the Hamam Gymnasium complex.

This frigidarium, typically situated at the northern end of Roman baths, served as a stage in the bathing process designed to tighten skin, invigorate the body, and close pores. The unearthed pool measures approximately 37 meters in length and 12 meters in width, with an estimated capacity to hold around 300 individuals. Researchers believe it was utilized by young people undergoing training at the gymnasium.

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I wholeheartedly thank all the employees of our General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums, our excavation team, our academics, and everyone who contributed to this valuable work. We will continue to protect the traces of our civilization through scientific studies and carry the legacy of the past into the future with unwavering determination.

Professor Dr. Murat Çekilmez of Aydin Adnan Menderes University led the excavation in collaboration with Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Turkish Cultural Heritage and Museums general-directorate. Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy expressed gratitude for the contributions to this "valuable work," vowing to continue protecting cultural heritage through scientific studies.

In a separate discovery in late July at the same site, a nearly 2,000-year-old hall containing a Roman-era floor mosaic was found. The mosaic depicts a hippocampus, a mythical sea creature associated with the deity Poseidon. Çekilmez noted the excitement of this find, especially since the area initially appeared to be only a Byzantine-era workshop. The well-preserved mosaic provides insights into the daily life and mythology of the period, indicating the hall's active use during the Roman Imperial period. The Hamam Gymnasium complex is also believed to have been an important educational institution.

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That was an exciting moment for us because it is a very well-preserved mosaic within the bath-gymnasium complex at Tralleis. It is significant both scientifically and for what it reveals about the daily life and mythology of the period.