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Baths of Hercules

Coordinates: 45°27′53.6″N 9°11′45.21″E / 45.464889°N 9.1958917°E / 45.464889; 9.1958917
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Baths of Hercules
Remains of the complex in the gardens of Largo Corsia dei Servi
Baths of Hercules is located in Milan
Baths of Hercules
Location of the ruins today
LocationMediolanum
Coordinates45°27′53.6″N 9°11′45.21″E / 45.464889°N 9.1958917°E / 45.464889; 9.1958917
TypeRoman bathouse
Area14,000 m2 (150,000 sq ft)
History
CulturesRoman Empire

The Baths of Hercules (Latin: Thermae Herculianae, Italian: Terme Herculee) were the largest thermae in the ancient Roman city of Mediolanum (modern-day Milan). The structure was built during the late 3rd and early 4th century, under the orders of Emperor Maximian, who had assumed the title Herculius after the divine hero.[1]

History

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The bathhouse stood in the newly-built northeastern quarter of the city until eventually being reduced to ruins. Evidence suggests it was heavily damaged by fire during the barbarian invasions of the 5th century. Whatever remained of the building was almost certainly leveled during Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's siege of Milan in 1162.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Ausonius, Ordo Urbium Nobilium, VII
  2. ^ Bugini, Roberto; Folli, Luisa; Marchisio, Romina; Sacchi, Furio (2018). "Marbles From the Herculean Baths in Milan". Marmora. 14: 113–140. doi:10.19272/201801401005.