Ancient Public Baths
An Important Way of Life. By: Will Kocsis
Opening paragraph
Batihng was a very important way of living in Rome. Heigen was very important to the Romans.
What were public baths?
Public baths were rooms where people could go in and bathe themselves. In these rooms, people could socialize, read and relax. The baths were like swimming pools. The people who were bathing could even pick their own temperature. Public baths were most popular in Rome. Only wealthy citizens had their own private baths.
How many people could fit in a bath?
About 3000 people could fit into one bath. People would have to pay entry fees before entering the bath. They basically followed basic spa procedures. The people were regulars to the public baths. They would have to come every day. That is like you taking a shower every morning.
What kind of people went into public baths?
Wealthy people had their own private baths; Just like our baths at home. The non-wealthy people would go to the public baths every day. The non-wealthy people did not have enough money as the rich people. It costs a lot of money to get a bath installed. You would also need a water source for a private tub.
Were ancient baths clean?
Ancient baths were clean. To Romans, hygiene was very important. Also, bathing was a way of life. Romans were not afraid to expose their bodies. A gym was also usually right next to the bath.
Who ran ancient baths?
A lot of baths were named after Roman kings. It is unknown who ran the baths. The ruins of these baths are very big. they are also very well preserved. The floors are mosaic. The mosaic tiles were removed and put into museums. "I don't think the Romans would habitually have built something that didn't work." - Max Fordham
Closing paragraph
Understanding the bathing process of early Romans gives an insight on the daily life of Romans. It was not only bathing at the baths, it was where people socialized.
Sources
"Baths of Caracalla, Rome." Rome.Info.
http://www.rome.info/ancient/baths-of-caracalla/
Osborn, David. "The Greco-Roman Bath." Greek Medicine.net. 2007.
http://www.greekmedicine.net/hygiene/The_Greco-Roman_Bath.html
Jahnige, Joan. "History of Ancient Roman Baths." 1998. http://www.dl.ket.org/latin2/mores/baths/history/page02.htm
Davis, Charles. "Guide to the Roman Baths of Bath, with a Plan, etc." William Lewis & Sons. August, 1884. Eights Edition.