Baiae

Baiae, also known as Baia, was an ancient Roman resort town on the northwestern shore of the Gulf of Naples, in what is now the municipality of Bacoli in the Campania region of Italy. It gained fame in antiquity for its natural hot springs and for hosting lavish villas and public baths, making it a favored retreat for Rome’s elite and imperial circles.

History and features: Baiae developed as a spa and leisure center during the late Republic and into the Imperial era. Its landscape was marked by sea-facing villas, extensive bathing complexes, and temple precincts that capitalized on the mineral waters and scenic shoreline. The city’s elite patrons built ostentatious residences, while public facilities and harbors served both residents and visitors. The area played a notable role in the social and cultural life of Rome’s governing class, and its proximity to the Campanian volcanic region shaped its urban development.

Decline and modern archaeology: In the later antique period Baiae declined, and shifting shorelines, seismic activity from the Phlegraean Fields, and land subsidence contributed to the city’s partial submergence. By the medieval era the settlement was largely abandoned, and large portions of the ancient urban fabric now lie beneath the sea. Today the submerged remains, including villas, baths, temples, and other structures, are the focus of underwater archaeology and are part of an underwater archaeological site known as the Baia area. The site is studied for its well-preserved hydraulic and architectural features and is accessible to researchers and divers under specialized conditions, contributing to understanding of Roman elite leisure and urban planning in coastal Campania.