One certain thing experts know for certain is the Ancient Romans are known for their luxurious activities. They appreciated the luxe things in life, whether it is wine, partying, or nightlife. It is strange to know that Ancient Rome has a city for partying and it was called Baia.
History of Baia
Baia was an ancient Roman town that was situated on the northwestern shore of the Gulf of Naples. In ancient times, Baia is a fashionable resort for many centuries. Many great rulers of Rome used to visit this place to lead a luxurious life. Especially during the end of the Roman republic, when the city was considered superior to Capri, Pompeii, and Herculaneum by wealthy Romans.
Many villas were built by Romans from 100 BC to 500 AD. The Las Vegas of Ancient Rome was notorious for its hedonistic offerings and rumors of corruption and scandal. Baia is also called the Las Vegas of Ancient Rome because many roman kings spend their treasure here for luxurious life. Not only Las Vegas, but perhaps it is also known as the sinful city of ancient Rome. But what happened to this famous city? Why did it become a lost city?
Las Vegas of Ancient Rome
In general for party hot spots we think of Las Vegas, New Orleans, or Miami cities where you let your inner beast run on the rampage. There was a change between these cities and Baia. In Vegas, Miami, and New Orleans there is a golden rule: what happens there, stays there. The Las Vegas of Ancient Rome was the vacation spot for the elite and wealthy Romans.
Many famous Roman kings like Julius Caesar, Nero, and many others visited the Las Vegas of Ancient Rome. This city would have been Rome's rich and famous, people with money were destined to live it up within the city limits. Julius Caesar and Nero built many villas and pools in this city. The grand stone structures, looming domes, intricate flooring, and extravagant halls are the auspicious and finest architectural work of Rome.
Sinful City
Baia was a notorious ancient Roman city, located in modern-day Naples, Italy, which gained notoriety for its excessive indulgence in vices such as prostitution, gambling, and other immoral activities. The city's reputation as a "sinful city" was because it was a popular destination for Roman emperors, aristocrats, and other elites who visited Baia to satisfy their sensual pleasures.
The city was home to lavish villas, thermal baths, and brothels, which were notorious for their debauchery. Baia's reputation as a den of vice was further enhanced by the prevalence of the cult of the goddess Venus, who was associated with love, beauty, and sexuality. As a result, Baia became synonymous with immorality and sinfulness.
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Sinking of Baia
Baiae is surrounded by 24 volcanoes that include Vesuvius and Solfatara. The end of this great party city happened because of bradyseism, a phenomenon that causes the earth's crust to sink or emerge due to the lava pressure and underground gases that make the ground move.
This same thing happened in the 4th century AD coinciding with the end of the Roman empire. The underground chambers of molten rock and gases were emptied causing the overlying surface to sink by about 20 meters.
Half of the city was sunk under water and it was forgotten for almost 1500 years. Gradually, the gases and magma brought Baia closer to the water's surface. Some photos taken by airplanes gave an idea of the vastness of this archaeological area. The first underwater excavation happened in the year 1980.
In the excavation, they found the imperial Nymphaeum. Archaeological teams still consolidating the submerged remains, monitoring the state of conservation, consolidating the structures, preserving the remains from decay, and reconstructing the map of what the city was like.
Findings in Baia Exploration
There have been multiple expeditions and archaeological excavations conducted in Baia, Italy, over the years, yielding many significant findings. Some of the notable discoveries include:
- The remains of the Temple of Venus: A temple dedicated to the goddess Venus, which was the center of the Venus cult in Baia.
- The Imperial Villa: The Villa of the Pisoni, a luxurious palace believed to have belonged to Emperor Nero, and other ancient Roman villas with intricate mosaic floors, frescoes, and thermal baths.
- Underwater ruins: Excavations of the sea floor have revealed numerous structures, such as villas, piers, and spas, which were flooded due to seismic activity and rising sea levels.
- Ancient artifacts: Artifacts found during excavations, such as pottery, jewelry, and coins, have provided valuable insights into the lives of the people who lived in Baia.
- The Grotto of the Dog: A cave that was believed to have been used for orgies, and it is filled with obscene graffiti and erotic frescoes.
Overall, the findings in Baia have shed light on the lifestyle and culture of the ancient Roman elite, revealing their love for luxury, excess, and sensual pleasures.
