Aquae Cutiliae

[4] The nearby Lake of Cutilia was supposed by classical writers such as Pliny, Seneca and Varro to be the centre of Italy, and was renowned for its floating islands,[2] which, as in other cases, were formed from the partial petrification of plants by the mineral substances contained in the water.

[7] Vespasian suffered increasingly severe intestinal problems and died in 79 AD at Aquae Cutiliae[8] perhaps due to excessive bathing in the cold waters.

On the 2nd terrace, a large natatio (swimming pool) was excavated from the solid rock, measuring 60 by 24 m, and was accessed by swimmers by steps on the longer sides of the basin.

The west side lies beneath a later church and mill and dates to the Flavian era, showing rooms that heated the spring water for the baths.

[15] These sources of intensely cold water were especially renowned for their healing properties, which Pliny and Celsus praised for their effectiveness in curing stomach disorders.