Bath in Ancient Rome: the unique heritage of the great empire

The development of the architecture of Rome has always been closely associated with the very course of the history of the city. In the era of early Rome, the city was built chaotically and randomly, had no general plan. The primitive dwellings scattered along the narrow, crooked streets of the city were characteristic of the appearance of the great city. The large, monumental buildings with which we were so accustomed to associate the city were only temples and houses of the nobility.

When Rome began to build its majestic history, then the beauty of the "eternal city" also increased. By the time of the beginning of the reign of Octavian Augustus, the city was plunged into numerous problems, the inhabitants were exhausted by long years of turmoil and struggle for power. Taking into account this fact, Octavian Augustus undertook the erection of a new image of Rome, which was to include not only monumental temple complexes, but also numerous entertainment institutions, places for people's recreation. This case the Roman emperor commissioned his closest associate - Mark Vipsania Agrippa. Indeed, the fruits of his work have become a byword: it is the renewed water supply system of the city, and numerous fountains and grandiose arches. However, the main child of Agrippa was a bath in ancient Rome.

Having laid down the traditions of bath culture in the city, Agrippa must have never suspected how much they would become popular among the nobility in Roman society. Evidence of this is the erection of many new similar objects in subsequent periods of history. Soon, Roman baths (thermae) began to emerge here and there, like mushrooms after the rain. They were built during the period of Titus, Nero, Trajan, Caracalla, Diocletian and other emperors.

Very soon the bath in Ancient Rome became very popular. Terms began to grow throughout the city, existed at gymnasiums, in rich houses. In them, the good half of Rome washed. Baths were not only a place for swimming, they became the center of public life in the city. Some of them accommodated more than 2000 people, and it was here after bathing people sat down to talk, someone preferred walks in the park, some plunged into reading in libraries that were equipped here. In short, the thermae served as a place not only for hygiene, but also turned into recreation centers for citizens.

Some scientists express the opinion that the bath in ancient Rome was the best good that the emperors managed to do for their people. But we should not forget that they   Were not only a place of rest, but also fine works of art. As a rule, near the baths were located either parks for recreation, or sports grounds. From the dressing room, adorned with magnificent furniture, visitors entered the room with a domed ceiling and brightly painted walls. From the locker room you could also get into another room - a kind of prototype of our steam room. However, a real therma was the Caldarias - rooms with wet steam and heated walls and floors, there were fountains and utensils for washing.

Bath in Ancient Rome   Became the focus of luxury and splendor. Marble, silver, gold, precious stones - all this was an indispensable attribute of it.

In this way,   Roman baths were not only a means of hygiene, but also became a symbol of the greatness of Rome. Also over time, they became the center of the social and political life of the great empire.