baths Flashcards
what roads was used to access aquae sulis
fosse way and akeman street
how did the set up of the baths helped romanisation in the towns
made the britons see romanisation as a positive thing as the baths were enjoyable and gave them comfort
made the towns more like rome-more people from roman empire would want to visit
why were the springs good
they were healthy for people because they had low mineral content- romans and celts saw the site as a place of healing and worship
what was there to do at the baths
get clean
relax
socialise
play board games
keep fit with excersizes
eat snacks
massage
listen to public speakers
what goddess was the baths dedicated to
sulis minerva
why did people visit the temple and the spring
to worship sulis minerva
divination
whats a haruspex
someone who looked at vital organs to interpret the wishes of the gods and prophesy the future- divination
what did one set of baths include
fridgidarium-cold
tepidarium-warm
caldarium- hot
what did the baths have on the front of the temple
pediment- carries the image of a gorgons head which was a symbol of sulis minerva- it showed that something/one powerful lives there
how did they create their goddess- sulis minerva
they used syncretism- joining 2 gods
the romans recognised that their sulis was very similar to the britons’ minerva, so they joined them together, creating sulis minerva.
this was good as it also made the romans look good as they werent completly discarding the britons relgion and gods for their new ones-they were working together and compromising
what is epigraphic evidence
written evidence
prescribed source-
“in britatin hot springs are adorned with sumptuous splendour for the use of mortals. minerva is patron goddess of these”
explain some points on this
very well know town–> the baths are what britain is known for
well known for springs and magic qualities
prescribed source-
“to the goddess sulis. lucius marcius memor haruspex gave this gift”
respected member of the community–> public statement for the baths
perhaps a roman trying to show his dedication for the celtic goddess (by only using sulis)
perhaps she’s so well known, they dont need to use the 2nd half of her name
