The Tunnels Beneath Rome’s Baths of Caracalla

In a thrilling development for history enthusiasts, the first section of tunnels beneath Rome’s iconic Baths of Caracalla will soon open to tourists. These ancient passageways, once bustling with the unseen labor of slaves, offer a rare glimpse into the underbelly of one of Rome’s grandest public spaces.

Constructed in the 3rd century AD, the Baths of Caracalla were a marvel of Roman engineering, accommodating thousands of bathers daily. Beneath the opulent surface, slaves toiled in the labyrinthine tunnels, hauling wood to feed 50 massive ovens that heated the vast pools. “It’s the dimension and the organization that amazes—there is no spa as big as this anywhere in the world today,” remarked archaeologist Marina Piranomonte.

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Deeper still, sewers channeled waste to the Tiber River, while an underground temple dedicated to Mithras hosted secretive rituals, including the butchering of bulls. These hidden spaces reveal the stark contrast between the luxury above and the grueling reality below.

As restoration efforts continue, visitors will soon walk these ancient corridors, gaining a slave’s-eye view of history. The tunnels of Caracalla are not just relics; they are a testament to Rome’s complex, layered past.