Roman spas in Hispania. A review and update of the main archaeological sites with mineral and medicinal water in Spain

Abstract

In a previous stage to the preparation of a monograph on the significance and exploitation of mineral medicinal water in Hispania, mainly from an architectonical and functional point of view, we have proposed an initial approach to this subject based on a complete revision about the main Roman archaeological sites with mineral and thermal waters in Spain included in the specific and general bibliography. In this way, it is showed a sampler of these sites while recognizing the need to address this topic with an overall vision. This will allow us to show the diversity of information available and the importance of an exhaustive study about the specific complexity of this resource in the Ancient World, which, opposite to common water, is conditioned by topographical, functional and religious aspects associated with these springs.