After several months of intense work on various projects, which we will tell you about shortly, we are resuming our practice of publishing the latest developments in the study of the origins of thermalism, with new discoveries of various kinds. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be publishing interesting news items. Stay tuned!
We begin the news for 2026 with a story from the Terme di Sorano (Grosseto, Italy), where an archaeological study has revealed the existence of a Neolithic structure made of travertine blocks, intended to function as a pool/pond for a thermal spring (known as the ‘Bagno dei Frati’ since the 15th century). Thanks to C14 dating of charcoal fragments found in direct contact with the stones of the construction, it has been possible to date it to a period between 4495 and 4335 BC.
This finding, published on 16 January 2026 by the Italian Ministry of Culture (link), demonstrates that this type of water has been known and used since prehistoric times, with some of these spaces even being adapted to allow bathing and enjoyment of these thermal and highly mineralised springs. Also, neolithic stone artefacts and ceramic fragments have even been found, providing irrefutable evidence of human activity at the site.
All of this reinforces the value that these springs have always had for human beings, and the important and widespread tradition of using this natural resource for different purposes throughout history. The importance of knowing the past helps us to care for and value the present. We are confident that these discoveries will expand in the coming years, allowing us to gain a much deeper understanding of the origins of a practice as current as thermalism.
We will be publishing more news of interest very soon.
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