The remains of Roman age
The recorded history of the area begins at the time of Roman Empire. At
the beginning of our era the nearby Danube River was the "limes", the border
of the empire throughout four centuries. Brigetio (the later Szőny), which
was bulit on a militarily important location, got the water that was essential
for the Roman baths from Tata's springs. Mátyás Bél, an excellent scientist
of the 18th century, gave an interesting description of the water-conduit
between Tata and Szőny, the best part of which was built as an aqueduct.
The surrounding area of the springs proved to be too little to provide
for a whole settlement, but the countryside offered good opportuníty for
building "villas". The veterans, a great number of ehom came from the remote
corners of the empire, even from other continents, in many cases chose
place not far from their former units to setle down after their service
had expired. Then, near the springs, they would set votive altar-stones
to Aesculap, Hygieia or simply to the nymph of the spring.
