BAIAE

Italian Baia, ancient city of Campania, Italy, located on the west coast of the Gulf of Puteoli (Pozzuoli) and lying 10 miles (16 km) west of Naples. Traditionally named after Baios, the helmsman of Ulysses, it was called Aquae Cumanae in early Roman times because of its curative sulfur springs. Baiae's mild climate, thermal springs, and luxuriant vegetation made it a popular resort during the later years of the Roman Republic and the empire, and by the 1st century AD it was as large as Puteoli. Many magnificent villas were built there, including those of Julius Caesar and Nero. The emperor Hadrian died in Caesar's villa in AD 138. Extensive remains of the ancient bathing facilities include three large domed buildings that are now erroneously referred to as temples. Part of the ancient city's site is now submerged in the bay owing to local volcanic activity. Baiae was devastated by Muslim raiders in the 8th century AD and was entirely deserted because of malaria in 1500.