Epic Contamination: Fracking Could Foul the Ancient Roman Hot Springs of Bath

Julius Caesar is rolling over in his grave. Some 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing compound around Great Britain's only hot spring. To this day, the complex in the ancient city of Bath flows with natural, steamy waters known around the world for their health benefits and powerful healing qualities. During the heady days of the Roman Empire, it was said Caesar himself made the water that bubbles up from these celebrated springs. Photo credit to Bath Tourism Plus/Colin Hawkins Although it didn't end well for Julius Caesar who was assassinated by his friend Marcus Brutus (and Rome eventually fell to a persistent group of warring Germanic tribes), the Roman temple and its healing pools in Bath have survived for two millennia. But fracking may end that epic run. In a story that is triggering outrage and disbelief across Europe and around the world, the existence and integrity of the beautifully preserved Roman site – that attracts more than a million tourists annually – is now in jeopardy as modern industrial practices slam headlong into ancient history. Here's how the UK's Guardian newspaper covered this stunning story last ...