Le terme romane di Malvindi: dall'analisi architettonica alla proposta ricostruttiva

The paper presents the results of the studies carried out on the Roman baths of Malvindi in the Mesagne (Br) countryside, a site only partially investigated but that offers interesting historical, topographic and constructive data for its exceptional state of conservation. The first information on the presence of the structure dates back to the late 19th century, but the first archaeological investigations were carried out in the second half of the 80s by the Archaeological Superintendence of Puglia. A frigidarium with its small pool and two hot rooms, a tepidarium and a sudatoriwn, were brought to light and freed from the fragments of the vaults. The technical analysis of the structures, together with the archaeological finds documented during the excavations, shows the presence of different phases of use and the elaboration of a reconstructive proposal aims to highlight the changes with their relative internal paths. The study also aims to arise new attention on a neglected site, to stimulate the planning of urgent restoration and excavation interventions in the remaining portions of the complex, and to have new data both for a better understanding of the architectural development of the Roman bath, and for a more precise definition of the role played in the context of a territory rich of archaeological evidence.