East Thermae

After the “shrinking” of the town until the middle of the 4th century AD, it started growing and spreading across the plain again. During this period Philippopolis reached its sizes from 3rd century - the period of its greatest prosperity. This expansion involved some large scale construction works not only in the area of the acropolis at the Three Hills (Trimontium), but also across the plain. The ruins of some representative residential buildings and bathing complexes – thermae are dated back to this period. 

The East thermae of Philippopolis were found under the building of present day Yoakim Gruev School. They occupy an area of 2,500 square meters. They were constructed on the foundations of an old ancient building.

The plan of the building clearly presents the implementation of the basic functional organization of the buildings of this type. The main premises of the thermae were oriented to the South - the direction with the longest sunshine. The heating system of the baths was made ​​of clay pipes.

The floors were lavishly decorated with mosaics, mainly with floral and geometrical motifs. 

The East Thermae functioned until the end of the 4th century.





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