Documentation of the Lower Bath in Metropolis, Torbalı, Izmir for the Assessment of Heritage Characteristics

Abstract

The study evaluates the excavation results of the Lower Bath and Palaestra in the archaeological site of Metropolis, Torbalı, İzmir with an eye on its original qualities and alterations. In fact, the understanding of the alterations will enable one to take conscious decisions for the preservation of the bath ruins. First, the existing scaled drawings of the Bath ruins were gathered and evaluated. Then, the historical background of the Roman Bath buildings was investigated. Rectified image mosaics based on photogrammetric survey are combined with plan, sections and elevations based on tachometric survey. In addition, a 3D model of the present state of the building was produced based on photogrammetric and tachometric survey. The 2D representations were used for mapping the original elements and the altered ones. The obtained data is supported with historical research and comparative study of similar buildings. The end results are presented in large appended tables. In turn, the heritage characteristics of the Lower Bath ("Aşağı Hamam" or "Han Yıkığı) in Metropolis, Yeniköy, Torbalı, İzmir is documented in detail. The Lower Bath has an asymmetrical plan organisation. It is middle in scale (812 m2). It is a typical example of the Roman Baths dated to between 2nd and 4th century. Its original features were sustained onwards. However perception of its third dimension has been demolished. It is important to plan a documentation study systematically as parallel to the excavation studies and to develop conservation decisions.