In the summer of 1988 in the hamlet of Pian della Carlotta near Cerveteri, while attempting to identify a site that SAEM was then investigating, an exceptional discovery was made: the site was a part of the Aquae Caeretane thermal bath complex.
The problem behind the identification of the exact location of the site was an issue that had fascinated many a scholar. The site was mentioned by Livy, who describes the marvels that had taken place during the second Punic war which had led the waters of the fons Hercules of the Aquae Caeretane to turn red.  The same concept was later commented on by Valerius Maximus and Strabo describes the crowds that used to attend the spa, even in Tiberius’ time. Finally the late chronicler Caelius Aurelianus lists them as the warmest thermal waters on Italian soil. It is thrilling to now be able to view the structures that so accurately and undoubtedly match the description provided by ancient sources.
The complex has so far revealed a calidarium, a tepidarium anda few service quarters that have been identified as being part of the Aquae Caeretane site thanks to the discovery of two inscriptions that have enabled even specific religious cults to be connected to the complex.
The first of these appears on a votive column approximately one metre in height which presumably supported a statue or dedicated object (as the grooves on it would seem to indicate). The fascinating thing about the document is to the fact that the inscription in this case is associated to Jupiter and not to Hercules or Apollo as one would expect, given Livy’s chronicle who speaks of a fons Herculis and the typical association of thermal locations found int the Etrurian region to the worship of Hercules.
The second inscription, on a marble altar piece decorated by Lion protomes, is by a certain Lucilius Pontilius and once again refers to Jupiter. The first inscription can be dated back to the early Imperial age, while the second was made no later than the Ist Century A.D:
A third inscription has enabled the problem surrounding the cult connected to the spring (the fons) to be resolved. It was found on a small marble pillar which was probably used to support a votive gift basin as the holes on its plinth would seem to suggest. The inscription on the column states that an oath had been taken by a worshipper in honour of both Jupiter an Hercules at the Caeretane Thermal Baths.
Therefore it can be said that, in addition to reinforcing the primary importance of the worship of Jupiter , the inscription also provides proof of a religious tradition involving Hercules which presumable dated back to Etruscan times.
Now, following the excavations, two large rooms are visible, both featuring pools: the first is the rectangular shaped calidarium surrounded by twelve marble faced pillars, the second is a tepidarium, once again rectangular, with a rear wall that still reveals a hint of vaulting.
In a nearby sector three more rooms have now been brought to light, which were perhaps to be used by female guests.
To visit the site, call (+39) 06-3226571