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Modern Description: Behind the centre of the shallow arc of the port of Maltezana are two empty fields containing the remains of the Roman Baths of ‘Talaras', dating from the late 4th century AD – possibly municipal, but perhaps more likely belonging to a private villa. There are several archaeologists' trenches in the first field; but most of what remains is to be seen in the second field, further away from the shore, where the charming mosaic floor of the central thermal chamber – the tepidarium – is clearly visible. (Splash with a little water to clear the dust and revive the colours.) The design, executed in just three colours, shows the 12 signs of the Zodiac circling a bright-eyed female divinity, representing Fortune or Destiny. To the northwest side is a small, marble-lined fountain pool and two sunken bathing chambers with hydraulic plaster still visible in places. The dimensions of the spiral-fluted column-fragments lying in the grass nearby suggest that the complex was large and stylishly appointed. Towards the opposite (western) end of the same bay there are further remains and foundations dating from the Roman period: these lie just under the water a few feet from the shore, and are best seen while swimming.

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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