Roman Baths of Ankara

These extensive ruins in central Ankara reveal a large public bath complex built in the early third century and dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius. Laid out on the classical Roman plan, the excavated site exposes the raised brick pillars of the hypocaust heating system that once warmed the floors, along with the outlines of cold, warm and hot rooms and a spacious exercise court. A scattering of columns, altars and inscribed stones stands in the open field. As a rare glimpse of Roman Ancyra, it shows the city's early importance.