Bulla Regia - Baths of Julia Memmia

Following the ancient street in Bulla Regia, which runs northeast, we pass the foundations of an arch and, farther west (left) the remains of a Byzantine fortress. To the right, past two temples, are the Baths of Julia Memmia, a fine example of a town bathing establishment, built by a wealthy citizen named Julia Memmia about A.D.189. On the side facing the street, standing higher than the rest of the building, is a portico, off which open a number of small rooms, probably shops.

From the portico the entrance leads into a vestibule, beyond which, on a lower level, are the baths, laid out on the usual symmetrical plan. The changing room (apodyterium, vestiarium) is followed by the cold bath (frigidarium), with two pools of cold water and a pavement mosaic depicting the Cretan Labyrinth. On either side are long rooms, probably gymnasia. Farther south are the warm room (tepidarium), hot bath (caldarium) and a steam bath (sudatorium), the latter two being surrounded by boiler rooms and a service passage. At the southwest corner of the building is a semicircular apartment, probably a latrine. On the east side of the baths are remains of a dwelling-house, the Diana Building, with a vaulted octagonal room. Crossing the street, which is paved with stone slabs, we continue the tour in a northwesterly direction.