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An Overview of Ancient Roman Bathhouses


            Bathing was the most important leisure activity in Ancient Rome during the late-Republic. It was part of the daily regimen for men of all classes and many women as well. Today's society classifies bathing as a very private activity conducted in the home, however bathing in Rome was a communal activity. While the extremely wealthy Romans could afford bathing facilities in their homes, bathing most commonly occurred in public facilities called Thermae. These large baths were owned by the state and often covered several city blocks. Republican bathhouses often had separate bathing facilities for men and women, but by the 1st century AD mixed bathing was common. There were 170 baths in Rome during the reign of Augustus and by 300 AD that number had increased to over 900. Small bathing places held about 300 people and the larger baths held up to 1500 people or more. The Roman baths were often built where hot or mineral springs were found. Fees to access these baths were quite reasonable, within the budget of most Roman citizens. These public establishments became centres for recreational and social activities in Roman communities. Exercise rooms, reading and conversational rooms as well as libraries, lecture halls, gymnastic apparatus and formal gardens became part of some bath complexes. A trip to the bath was a very important part of Roman daily life.
             The Apodyterium was the primary entry to the public baths, usually unheated, and composed of a large changing room with cubicles or shelves where citizens could store clothing and other belongings while bathing. Slaves hired at the baths or privately owned would look after the belongings while the citizens enjoyed the baths. One Roman schoolbook quotes a wealthy young Roman schoolboy of the Colloquia who, upon entering the baths, instructs his accompanying slave, "Do not fall asleep, on account of the thieves ". Wealthy Romans brought multiple slaves along, as parading your slaves at the baths was a way to show your elevated social status.


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