Originally built in the 1st century AD (during the Roman occupation of Britain), it was constructed around natural geothermal springs and dedicated to Sulis Minerva, the goddess of Celtic and Roman fusion. It served as a religious sanctuary, a spa resort, and a public bath for all. After the Roman withdrawal in the 4th century, it was gradually buried and excavated in the 18th century. Today, it is a World Heritage Site and a landmark of Bath.