Imperial Roman
Thermal Baths

The Department of
Engineering of the modern-day University
of Naples is located in Fuorigrotta off of via
Terracina and via Marconi. The university, thus, shares
land with one of the most interesting examples in Naples
of Imperial Roman thermal baths,
uncovered in 1939. The baths were at about the halfway
point between Puteoli(Pozzuoli)
and Neapolis and were undoubtedly a place to stop and
rest for a while.
The building has many
levels and was built in the first half of the second
century AD. The entire complex was built around the
frigidarium, the cold baths, and the apodyterium, the
dressing room. There was a type of central heating
system, provided for by the existence of a double floor
which allowed hot air from the ovens to pass and
circulate throughout the structure. There are a number
of mosaics showing interesting and anthropomorphic
renditions of marine life.