The Romans were the first ones to build baths around the warm mineral springs in this area. This bath, which was a religious bath dedicated to Aquae Sulis, was built in the first century, but was abandoned and fell into disrepair when the Romans left. It is still being excavated by archaeologists since it was rediscovered by the British in the 1800's By that time, Bath had become a popular and fashionable spa town, and most of the cream-colored buildings in town date back to the early 1800's. There was even a special spa for lepers.