Baths of Diocletian (Museo Nazionale Romano) historical timeline

The largest baths in Rome, killed by a war that cut the aqueducts, broken up into churches and halls, and made the seat of the world's most important archaeological collection in 1889.

Chronology

1. 305–306 AD — the baths, willed by the emperor Maximian, are inaugurated and dedicated to Diocletian, with whom Maximian shared command of the empire.
2. Early 4th century — they are the largest baths in Rome, covering 13 hectares and able to hold up to 3,000 people, following the usual plan of the great Roman baths with calidarium, tepidarium and frigidarium along a central axis.
3. Mid 6th century — the complex stops working, when the Gothic War causes serious damage throughout the city, and in particular interrupts the water supply.
4. Later — the main axis becomes the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, where it is still recognisable.
5. Later — one of the two circular halls beside the great exedra, on the west side, is turned into the church of San Bernardo alle Terme.
6. 1889 — the Museo Nazionale Romano is instituted to house the antiquities of Rome, and part of the bath complex becomes the seat of the Roman antiquities section. The institution of the Museum also redefines the arrangement of the works in the four ambulatories.
7. Today — the collection is divided among several sites: Terme di Diocleziano, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps and Crypta Balbi; the octagonal hall at the western corner, on via Parigi, houses the Museo dell'Arte Salvata.

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