In the earlier ages of Roman history a much greater delicacy was observed with respect to promiscuous bathing, even among the men, than was usual among the Greeks; for according to Valerius Maximus, it was deemed indecent for a father to bathe in company with his own son after he had attained the age of puberty, or son-in-law with his father-in-law, the same respectful reserve being shown to blood and affinity as was paid to the temples of the gods, toward whom it was considered an act of irreligion even to appear naked in any of the places consecrated to their worship. But virtue passed away as wealth increased, and when the therme came into use, not only did the men bathe together in numbers, but even men and women stripped and bathed promiscuously in the same bath. <Callout type="important" title="Important">Some idea of the magnitude of the baths at Rome can be gained from a statement of the number of bathers they could accommodate at one time. The baths of Diocletian, which were perhaps the most commodious of them all, could accommodate at one time 3,200 bathers.</Callout> One hall of this famous bathing institution was ata later date converted by Michael Angelo into the church of St. Marie de gli Angeli. The baths of Caracalla, built a. p. 212, were perhaps the most famous of the baths of Rome. They were not as commodious however as many other baths, and they had accommodations at one time for only 1,600 bathers, or just one-half that could be accommodated by the baths of Dio- cletian.
In the earlier stages of Roman history a much greater delicacy was observed with respect to promiscuous bathing, even among men, than obtained at a later period. Virtue passed away as wealth increased, and the public baths became places of meeting and amusement where not only did men bathe together in numbers, but even men and women stripped and bathed promiscuously in the same bath. Some idea of the magnitude of the baths at Rome can be gained from a statement of the number of bathers they could accommodate at one time. The baths of Diocletian, which were perhaps the most commodious of them all, could accommodate at one time 3,200 bathers. One hall of this famous bathing institution was ata later date converted by Michael Angelo into the church of St. Marie de gli Angeli. The baths of Caracalla, built a. p. 212, were perhaps the most famous of the baths of Rome. They were not as commodious however as many other baths, and they had accommodations at one time for only 1,600 bathers, or just one-half that could be accommodated by the baths of Dio- cletian.
<Callout type="warning" title="Warning">The practice was indulged in by people of both sexes, and the time when applied depended much on the treatment the bather was taking. For instance, most bathers anointed the body as the finishing touch of the bath, while some bath- ers applied the oil before going to the hot or sweat room.</Callout> Interior of the Frigidarium or Cold Bath, Caracalla No luxury can be monopolized by the rich, and it was not long before public bathing establishments, in which a small entrance fee was charged, were built by private capital. Following quickly on the heels of these private enterprises, came the establishment of public baths, then, 40 HISTORY OF SANITATION according to the authority of Pliny, for 600 years Rome needed no medicine but the public baths.
<Callout type="tip" title="Tip">The baths were opened at sunrise and closed at sunset, but in the time of Alexander Severus, it would appear that they were kept open nearly all night, for he is stated to have furnished oil for his own therme, which previously were not opened before daybreak and were shut before sunset; and Juvenal includes in his catalogue of female immorali- ties that of taking the bath at night, which may, however, refer to private baths.</Callout> The price of a bath was a quadrant, the smallest piece of coined money from the age of Cicero downward, which was paid to the keeper of the bath. Children below a cer- tain age were admitted free, and strangers, also foreigners, were admitted to some of the baths, if not to all, without payment.
<Callout type="risk" title="Risk">When the public baths were first instituted they were only for the lower orders, who alone bathed in public, the people of wealth, as well as those who formed the Eques- trian and Senatorian orders, using private baths in their own houses. But this monopoly was not long enjoyed, for as early even as the time of Julius Cesar, we find no less a personage than the mother of Augustus making use of the public establishments, which were probably at that time separated from the men’s.</Callout> The baths were closed when any misfortune happened to the republic, and Sentonius says that the Emperor Caligula made it a capital offence to indulge in the luxury of bathing upon any religious holiday. The baths were originally placed under the superintendence of the ediles, whose business it was also to keep them in repair, and to see that they were kept clean and of a proper temperature.
<Callout type="gear" title="Gear">The Romans did not content themselves with a single bath of hot or cold water, but they went through a course of baths in succession, in which the agency of air as well as water was applied. It is difficult to ascertain the precise order in which the course was usually taken, if indeed there was any general practice beyond the whim of the individual.</Callout> Under medical treatment, of course, the suc- cession would be regulated by the nature of the disease for which a cure was sought, and would vary also according to the different practice of different physicians. It is certain, however, that it was a general practice to close the pores and brace the body after the excessive perspiration of the vapor bath, either by pouring cold water over the head, or by plunging at once into the tank.
Having thus detailed from classical authorities the general habits of the Romans in connection with their systems of bathing, it now remains to examine and explain the internal arrangements of the structures which con- tained their baths, which will serve as a practical com- mentary upon all that has been said. Indeed, there are more ample and better materials for acquiring a thorough insight into Roman manners in this one particular than for any of the other usages connected with their daily habit.
In order to make the subjoined description clear, a reproduction from an old woodcut of a fresco painting on the walls of the thermz of Titus at Rome, is here repro- duced, showing in broken perspective the general arrange- ment of one of the baths known as the therme. Heat was supplied to warm the apartments and the water used in the baths by the furnace shown extending under the entire floor of the establishment. This furnace was known as a Hypocustum.
To the right may be seen the vessels in which water for the baths was heated. The topmost vessel, the Frigidarium, contained cold water from which the hot water tanks and the various baths were supplied. Next in order is the tepidarium, in which water of moder- ate temperature was stored, and in the lowest, the caldarium, was heated the hottest water used in the baths.
After the end of the republic, large establishments used to have a sepa- rate steam bath, the laconicum, and in this apartment, or sometimes adjoining the tepidarium, was the Clipeus, a small circular chamber covered by acupola. The Clipeus received its light through an aperture in the center of the dome, and this aperture served also as a vent from the chamber. The Clipeus was heated by means of a sep- AEs Ommle att aie, apparatus, and its temperature could bepraised: to-.an enormous degree or could be regu- lated to suit the bather by raising or lowering the shield.
The tepida- rium, as the name Therme of Titus at Rome Clipeus. From an old woodcut would imply, was a room in which a moderately warm bath could be taken and where the process of dry rubbing also took place. In the balneum a hot bath could be taken, originally in a tub, but in later times in a large reservoir; and in the frigidarium a cold plunge could be had.
The eleothesium was the anointing room where the body was rubbed with oil and massaged.
Key Takeaways
- The public baths in Rome were initially reserved for lower classes but eventually became accessible to all social strata.
- Bathing was a daily ritual and often included multiple stages of hot, tepid, and cold water treatments.
- Safety hazards existed due to the promiscuous nature of bathing and lack of privacy.
Practical Tips
- Regular bathing can help maintain hygiene and prevent skin infections, even in modern times.
- Using natural oils for anointing after a bath can moisturize the skin and improve its health.
- Ensure proper ventilation when using steam baths to avoid respiratory issues.
Warnings & Risks
- Promiscuous bathing practices could lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
- Overuse of hot water baths might cause dehydration or heat exhaustion.
- Lack of privacy in public baths could expose individuals to unwanted attention and potential abuse.
Modern Application
While modern sanitation techniques have improved significantly, understanding historical practices like Roman bathing can provide insights into the importance of hygiene. The use of multiple temperature baths for therapeutic purposes still holds relevance today, with variations found in hydrotherapy treatments. However, the risks associated with promiscuous and unsanitary conditions remain pertinent warnings for maintaining public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did the Romans ensure privacy during bathing?
Privacy was not strictly enforced; men and women often bathed together, especially in later periods. This lack of privacy could lead to potential health risks such as the spread of infectious diseases.
Q: What were the benefits of Roman bathing practices?
Roman bathing practices included a series of hot, tepid, and cold water treatments that aimed to improve circulation, detoxify the body, and provide relaxation. These practices can still be seen in modern hydrotherapy treatments.
Q: How did the Romans heat their baths?
Baths were heated using furnaces known as Hypocustums, which supplied hot water through a network of vessels. This method allowed for controlled heating and was essential for maintaining the different temperatures required for various bathing stages.