These ruins are the best preserved Roman baths in Arles, and date to the early 4th century AD.
The centrepiece of the site is the "caldarium" which had 3 hot pools including one with a large vaulted apse and two rectangular pools at either side, which were heated from below by the hypocaust system.
Several fireplaces were needed to keep these pools at the perfect temperature. A "frigidarium" or cold pool was located nearby.
The baths were used not only for bathing and keeping clean, but were a place to mingle , get fit and enjoy a massage. Both women and men were allowed entry.
The buildings were abandoned at the start of the 6th century AD.
