Nueva propuesta interpretativa de la llamada Casa de Hippolytus de Complutum (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid)

Abstract

The so-called Casa de Hippolytus (The House of Hippolytus) is nowadays one of the better fitted-out archaeological complexes in the Madrid area. Interpreted so far as the schola of a collegium iuvenum, the analysis of every room as well as the building's internal distribution allows to identify it as a suburban bath complex. This important balneum, built at the end of the 3rd century or beginnings of the 4th century A.D., might have been associated to a wealthy outof-walls residence from Anios' family. It shares plan, typological and ornamental features with other private bath facilities widespread throughout the Western Empire. Baths would become emblematic spaces that showed belonging to a common culture and social group: the elite, which affirmed its authenticity and power through bath architecture.