The Roman Baths were not only places where the Romans would get clean, there was also a sort of social aspect of the baths to the Roman culture. Romans would invite friends and family to have discussions and even engage in business meetings in the Roman baths.
Importance to Roman Culture
The Roman Baths were community centers where Romans would relax, work out, and socialize with each other. These baths were all over cities throughout the Roman empire that by 300AD there were over 900 baths in the Roman Empire. Even though the Roman Baths were a symbol of the hygiene of the Roman Empire, the baths were also centers for diseases to spread.
The Structure
The water of the Roman Baths was supplied by Roman aqueducts from natural springs in the area. 1,170,000 liters of water still flow through the baths everyday. The water was heated by a central heating system called a hypocaust system, this was the same type of heating system they would use in their houses.
The Roman Baths were made of fireproof terracotta bricks and were finished with marble. The baths were often decorated with mosaics and statues.
The Roman Bath Rooms
Apodyterium- The large changing room and entryway to the baths where guests would take off their clothing before entering the baths. This room would usually consist of shelves where guests could put their clothes.
Tepidarium - The warm bath. It was often the main central hall in the bath where the bathers met and talked. This room was relaxing and had a pleasant atmosphere and temperature compared to the two other rooms with a temperature range of 37 and 39 degrees celsius and 98.6 and 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Caldarium - The hot and steamy room with a very hot bath. This room had an underfloor heating system using tunnels with hot air, heated by a furnace tended by slaves. This steaming room had a temperature around 45 degrees Celsius or 113 degrees fahrenheit.
Frigidarium - The cold bath. This bath was the last bath used to cool the bathers at the end. The Romans would use a strigil in this bathing room instead of soap.
Palaestra - The gymnasium where bathers could exercise. They would lift weights, throw a discus, or play ball games.
Who Would Go?
All the citizens of the Roman Empire would usually go to the baths. Wealthy citizens of Rome would have their own bath in their homes. The baths either had a small entrance fee or were paid off by the emperor for the public to go for free.
Tools
Strigil- Instead of soap, Romans would use a small, curved, metal tool used to scrape dirt and sweat from the body before going into the bath. Before oil was applied to the skin, and then it would be scraped off, along with the dirt. This process would either be done by a slave or oneself.
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