After eight seasons of meticulous archaeological work, the University of Alicante has completed the excavation of one of the most monumental Roman bath complexes ever discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. The sprawling Eastern Baths at La Alcudia, near Elche in southeastern Spain, represent a remarkable testament to the prosperity and sophistication achieved by the ancient Roman colony of Iulia Ilici Augusta during its zenith in the 2nd century AD. Covering an extraordinary 14,000 square feet, this massive complex ranks among the largest Roman bathhouses discovered in the province of Hispania, offering unprecedented insights into Roman urban planning and social culture.
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The La Alcudia archaeological site preserves the remains of the Roman city of Ilici, strategically positioned between Carthago Nova (Cartagena) and Valentia (Valencia). According to a report in Archaeology Magazine, this location was home to the Roman colony of Iulia Ilici Augusta, established in two distinct phases during the second half of the 1st century BC. The first phase was decreed by Julius Caesar prior to his assassination in 44 BC, while the second building phase was undertaken during the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC–14 AD), who allocated land to veteran soldiers of the Cantabrian Wars. This dual foundation reflects the systematic Roman approach to colonization and the integration of military veterans into civilian society.
Excavations of one of thermal pools at La Alcudia of Elche. (University of Alicante)
A Monument to Roman Engineering Excellence
The Eastern Baths complex showcases the sophisticated engineering capabilities of Roman architects and builders. Professor Jaime Molina Vidal, Chair of Ancient History at the University of Alicante and leader of the Virtual-ASTERO Heritage project, emphasizes the significance of the discovery:
"Thanks to these eight years of excavation, we've uncovered one of the city's most significant public buildings - its Eastern Baths. Richly decorated with mosaic floors and built on an extraordinary scale, the baths speak to the splendor and prosperity of the city during the 2nd century AD."
A report by the university new page La Alcudia explains how the complex features all the standard components of Roman bathing culture, including cold rooms (frigidaria) and hot rooms (caldaria), but its most impressive feature is one of the largest preserved ancient swimming pools (natatio) discovered in Iberia. The natatio represents a remarkable feat of Roman hydraulic engineering, designed to provide a refreshing conclusion to the bathing sequence that was central to Roman social life. The presence of such an extensive swimming facility indicates the wealth and importance of Ilici within the broader network of Roman cities in Hispania.
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The impressive ‘natatio’ pool is the centerpiece of the complex. (University of Alicante)
Artistic Treasures and Architectural Innovation
The buildings contain remarkable artistic treasures that demonstrate the sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of Roman Hispania. Two exceptional mosaics have been preserved within the complex, showcasing different artistic traditions and techniques. One mosaic masterfully imitates marble paneling, demonstrating the Roman desire to create luxurious environments even when expensive materials were not readily available. The second mosaic features elaborate floral motifs, including acanthus leaves, flowers, and scrolling designs that reflect the naturalistic artistic traditions popular throughout the Roman Empire during the 2nd century AD.
Intricate mosaic flooring discovered in the Eastern Baths complex at La Alcudia. (University of Alicante)
The architectural layout of the Eastern Baths follows the typical Roman progression of bathing experiences, designed to promote both physical cleansing and social interaction. Beyond the frigidaria and caldaria, the complex includes warm rooms (tepidarium), a sauna (laconicum), and changing rooms (apodyterium). This comprehensive arrangement reflects the Roman understanding of bathing as a holistic experience that combined hygiene, relaxation, exercise, and social networking. The scale and sophistication of these facilities underscore the economic prosperity that Ilici enjoyed during the height of the Roman Empire.
3D reconstruction of the Eastern Baths complex showing its original architectural splendor. (University of Alicante Virtual Heritage Project)
Decline and Archaeological Legacy
During the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, the baths underwent gradual deterioration and abandonment, likely reflecting the broader socio-economic difficulties and demographic decline that affected many Roman settlements during this period. Nevertheless, evidence suggests partial restorations were attempted during the final centuries of the Roman Empire, though these efforts reduced both the size and functionality of the original complex. The baths were ultimately abandoned between the 5th and 6th centuries AD, marking the end of an era in the region's urban development.
In addition to the bath complex, the archaeological team has excavated a significant 55-meter stretch of Roman street, complete with drainage systems, building entrances, and paved surfaces. This discovery allows researchers to reconstruct part of Ilici's road network and trace its evolution from the Iberian period through to the Visigothic era. One of the most remarkable discoveries beneath the Roman layers has been the identification of an Iberian neighborhood dating back to the 3rd century BC, pointing to the considerable size and sophistication of the pre-Roman settlement.
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The visible remains have been protected using specialized conservation techniques, enabling public access while awaiting future protective roofing. Professor Molina concludes:
"We are now entering a new phase, focused on the scientific publication of our findings and turning the site into an open museum space, so that the public can discover and enjoy this unique heritage."
The Eastern Baths will serve as a permanent testament to the engineering prowess, artistic sophistication, and social complexity of Roman civilization in the Iberian Peninsula.
Top image: Aerial view of the Eastern Baths excavation site at La Alcudia, Spain, showing the monumental scale of the Roman bath complex. Source: University of Alicante/Archaeology Magazine
By Gary Manners
References
Archaeology Magazine. 2025. Excavations of Massive Roman Bath Complex in Spain Completed. Available at: https://archaeology.org/news/2025/08/14/excavations-of-massive-roman-bath-complex-in-spain-completed/
University of Alicante. 2025. University of Alicante completes excavation of the Eastern Baths at La Alcudia after eight years of work. Available at: https://web.ua.es/en/actualidad-universitaria/2025/july2025/7-13/university-of-alicante-completes-excavation-of-the-eastern-baths-at-la-alcudia-after-eight-years-of-work.html
