Archaeologists at the Villa di Sette Bᴀssi on Rome’s southeast rim have found evidence of a deep transformation that occurred in Late Antiquity: a Roman bath complex, the Baths of the Tritons, was transformed into an early Christian church. The discovery provides excellent insight into the spread of Christianity in the Roman countryside and the reuse of buildings during a period of profound religious and cultural change.

View of the discovered “vasca” inside the Roman thermal baths. Credit: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica, CC BY-ND 3.0 IT

The Baths of the Tritons, constructed in the 2nd century CE, were part of a large estate which, before that, had social and hygienic functions typical of the elite architecture of the Roman Empire. The excavations revealed that the site took on a new religious role in the later centuries of the Roman Empire. At the center of this is the discovery of a marble-lined vasca (tub or pool), interpreted by archaeologists as an early baptistery for full-immersion baptism, a practice central to early Christian initiation.

Detail showing the two distinct levels of the structure. Credit: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica

The design of the baptistery reflects two phases of use. It was initially deeper to allow for full-body immersion, symbolizing the death of the old life for the neophyte and rebirth into the Christian faith. Subsequently, the pool floor was raised, suggesting a shift toward a less physically demanding form of the rite. This liturgical modification reflects broader evolutions in Christian practice during Late Antiquity.

Archaeologists excavating the site. Credit: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica

Archaeologists affirm that the size and construction of the vasca show that it was not a simple chapel but a formal baptistery church with burial rites. This is attested by the presence of numerous burials near the pool. That there might have been a bishopric at the site, deep into the Roman countryside, is under serious consideration.

Appia Antica Archaeological Park explains that this discovery sheds new light on the Christianization of Rome’s surrounding area. They note that the coexistence of Roman bath architecture with Christian liturgical elements suggests the complex and gradual process of transition from classical antiquity to Christian domination.

More information: Parco Archeologico dell’Appia Antica