Neolithic Settlement

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tiompan T
tiompan Jun 3, 2013 16:19:31
Replying to moss

moss wrote:
tiompan wrote:
nigelswift wrote:
Keeping with the idea of humans constantly doing very human things, it's not unusual for a later generation to surround an original tasteful shrine with a garish outer ring of excessive proportions
http://www.roman-britain.org/places/images/aquae_sulis.jpg
As an ex Bathonian that one was quite prominent in my thoughts .
But there again (as another ex) the 'tastefully' decorated Roman baths was for a relaxing hot bath tub for the romans, it is the Cross Bath that is supposed to have been part of a temple for healing...

"A temple to Aesculopius, discovered near the Cross Bath provides a clue to there being a Roman bath on this site dedicated to healing, not just for relaxation." And still is, as is the rheumatic hospital further down.

Not that I am being pedantic, but I expect Bladud (the original) would have something to say as well ;)

Nothing wrong with pedantry Moss better than misinformation , but isn't the Great Bath (in the image ) not fed by the "sacred spring " and as such similar to Nigel's original mention of "sacred wells ". Also the bath themselves were dedicated to Minerva ,a healing deity .

L Littlestone
Littlestone Jun 3, 2013 17:13:43
Replying to tiompan

tiompan wrote:
...the bath themselves were dedicated to Minerva ,a healing deity .
Minerva was goddess of the arts (which included commerce, crafts, music and poetry). Only as Minerva Medica did she become the goddess of medicine and apothecaries.

The relationship between religious centres and places of healing is an interesting one, though perhaps somewhat Western biased – there are examples (even today) of a wish to evoke good health and/or the protection of children at some Buddhist temples but those places are overwhelmingly places of study and learning in the shape of philosophical and religious debate.