Archaeologists unearth ancient bishop's lavish bathhouse, shedding light on early Christian life

The discovery was made in Olympus, an ancient Lycian port city in the Turkish province of Antalya, per Anadolu Agency (AA).

The bathhouse measures around 2,150 square feet. It dates back to the 5th or 6th centuries A.D., and was attached to the bishop's private residence.

Of the bishop's bathhouse, Öztaşkın noted that it was a "rather large and elaborate complex."

"Baths attached to private residences are usually small," she said.

"We identified the heating system, furnace area and wall-heating elements, which make it a rare example from its period."

But the complex wasn't just a personal indulgence for the bishop.

"They managed the city's wealth and served as spiritual heads of the community," Öztaşkın said.

"The bath was not for the bishop's private use alone."

Though it was attached to the bishop's residence, the bathhouse was still open to the public at certain times and during certain circumstances.

The discovery comes months after archaeologists made another significant find in Olympus.