Bath Culture Flashcards
When did Romans go to the baths?
Roman citizens went in the afternoon (~2pm) for several hours.
What did Romans do at the baths?
Romans would bathe, exercise, read, hear lectures, and meet friends.
What was the entry cost to the baths?
Sometimes a small fee was charged, but it was low enough that anyone could’ve paid. A wealthy Roman could sponsor a day for no fee.
What was the difference for women in baths?
Men and women didn’t bath together. Women would’ve had the baths open in the morning, or women would’ve had a separate complex.
What were the steps of a visit to the baths?
Apodyterium, Palaestra, Caldarium, Oil/Strigil, Tepidarium, Frigidarium, Dress
changing room
apodyterium
What was the role of slaves in baths?
Slaves guarded clothing against thieves in the apodyterium.
exercise area
palaestra
What did Romans do in the palaestra?
Romans would wrestle, run, lift weights, and play ball games.
hot room
caldarium
Describe the hot room.
The caldarium had a hot bath and a basin of cold water for the face. It was directly over the furnaces.
warm room
tepidarium
Describe the warm room.
The tepidarium was the main room of the baths. It was for relaxation and conversation. It was decorated.
cold room
frigidarium
Describe the cold room.
The frigidarium had a plunge bath or pool. It was usually a short visit.
What was the general purpose of oil and strigils?
Romans used oil and strigil to get clean.
What oil was used?
Olive oil was used.
How did Romans use oil?
Romans rubbed oil onto their skin, which separated the dirt.
How did Romans use a strigil?
The strigil scraped oil and dirt off their skin.
How was water brought to the baths?
Aqueducts brought water to the bath complex, so it was constantly refreshed.
How was water heated in the baths?
Furnaces heated the baths with a floor system.
heating system
hypocaust
Describe the heating system.
Furnaces were lit underneath the floor, so spaces under the floor and in the walls allowed air to heat rooms through convection.
