The History of Baths

Rooms of a Typical Roman Bath - Part 3

Roman citizens would also have discussed municipal affairs in the baths.

It was not uncommon for council officials to come to the baths to canvas support and mobilise voters. Politicians and emperors would go the public halls of the baths to debate, and have a swipe at the opposition. Despite the elements of relaxation the everyday nitty, gritty of life was not excluded. Young politician learnt from the great orators, they observed how to captivate and hold their audiences.

Many troubadours plied their trade here. Amateur poets came to recite their work, to curry favour as did jugglers, acrobat’s, minstrels and prostitutes all plied their trade. It was a place to show off your social skills and your social standing. The Roman baths were a place to be admired and ridiculed. Some came just to gossip and spread rumours, both political and social. Some patrons came to philosophise and debate ideas on life, the gods and local taxes!

Public baths promoted good hygiene, physical fitness, culture, and fostered social skills as all networked amongst the diverse activities, over and above the aspect of getting clean. The thermae of Rome bridged all aspects of Roman society.

The Thermae Antoninianae or “Antonine Baths” public baths in ancient Rome construction was begun by emperor Septimius Severus in AD 206 and completed by his son, the emperor Caracalla, in AD 216. their design was amongst Rome's luxurious baths, with accommodation for about 1,600 bathers, they continued in use until the 6th century. The extant ruins, together with modern excavations and restorations, which include modern reconstruction, are the most extensive of any surviving Roman bathing establishments.

They are a central of a block of large vaulted bath chambers covering an area of 750 by 380 feet (230 by 115 m), with courts and auxiliary rooms, surrounded by a garden for exercise and games. Between the frigidarium and the tepidarium was a great hall, roofed by an enormous vault with clerestory windows, which would late be used as a prototype of the vaulted naves of European Churches in Medieval times. Today the ruins are used as open-air site for opera performances, especially those such as Carmen and Aida, both of which have large casts.

Next Article