Nemean Baths

The Nemean baths are an athletic bathing house at the Panhellenic sanctuary of Nemea in the Argolis [1]. The baths are located in the southernmost part of the Hellenistic complex [1]. They are directly west of the similarly dated Xenon, which served as athletes' lodging [1]. Though the sanctuary had existed since the Archaic period, the baths are thought to have been built in the 4th century BC [1]. The bath itself is divided between a west wing with a series of basins and an east wing with an open bath [1]. Along with the Xenon, the bath served as amenities to athletes during the Nemean Games [1]. The east wing's circular immersion bath or 'plunge bath' is remarkable as it is one of only four in Greece [1]. Early Christians turned the temple of Zeus into a Basilica in the 5th century AD and used the open chamber of the bath house as a repository for the dead; thus far, three burials have been found [1].