Stations Thermales à L'Antiquité

In order to understand the architectonical and functional peculiarities of Roman healing spas using mineral
waters, the study of their collection systems should be one of the main subjects. In this way we propose a first
approximation to these hydraulic infrastructures which must be adapted to the topography of the spring area
and to the physical and chemical conditions of these mineral waters. The study of these structures in Hispania
has allowed us to propose an initial typology as one of the essential aspects to be included in the study of the
configuration of Roman Healing spas.

In our current research project entitled 'Spas in the Western Empire: the technological and social impact of Rome in the exploitation of mineral-medicinal water', we attempt to identify the characteristics of Roman spas, in contrast to those baths that used ordinary water, in order to understand their meaning and function. One of the most difficult and interesting topics to develop in our study is the need to recognise the role of medicine in these establishments within the context of health and religion. Therefore,
in this paper, we try to show some of the more representative evidence of this duality, starting with the
evolution and development of Roman spas.

En la orilla derecha del río Miño, a su paso por la antigua capital del conventus lucensis --te de origen romano que permitía el paso sobre el río Miño Lucus Augusti, 800 m en línea recta desde el recinto amurallado, el reco---rrido desde la antigüedad hasta nuestros días.

THE ORIGINAL ROMAN MINERAL-MEDICINAL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN LUGO’S HEALING SPA: NEW DATA.

A wide number of archaeological discoveries have been made in the Roman healing Spa of Lugo, located at the foot
of the city, which has been modernised and can be visited nowadays. However, one of the least well-known aspects
of this Roman building is the complex medicinal mineral water supply system, as it has been reused over time. To
solve this problem, our study draws up an initial description and analysis of this Roman hydraulic network, possible
thanks to its excellent conservation. The efficiency of this Roman structure has been proved, because it is still
working and, even after two thousand years of use, it continues to be the heart of the water supply of the current spa.
Key words: Medicinal mineral water, Roman healing spa, hydraulic systems, wells, Gallaecia, Lucus Augusti.