Baths - Rome - Baths of Caracalla Flashcards
When was it built?
211-215 AD
Who built it?
Caracalla
Why did Caracalla build it?
Statement of imperial power and to cement his position to the people
How much did the huge platform cover?
100,000 square metres
How many entrances did the Baths of Caracalla have?
4
Comment on the 4 entrances?
They were cross-vaulted in three bays and had huge piers to support.
The overall scale of the baths of Caracalla?
225 x 185 x 35
What did the central imposing block have?
Natation, frigidarium and circular caladarium
How were the natation, frigidarium and circular caladium aligned?
Central axis
How many men did it take to build the baths of Caracalla?
9,000
How long did it take to build the baths of Caracalla?
5 years
How much earth was removed to build the baths of Caracalla?
150,000 cm
How much tufa and mortar was brought in to build the baths of Caracalla?
280,000 cm of tufa and mortar
How much brick was brought in to build?
15 million pieces
What kind of columns were created, and were they necessary?
Ornate - architectural statement.
What were the baths made of?
Granite, basalt and alabaster
What was the water capacity of the baths of Caracalla?
8.2 million litre
What streets were created parallel to allow the full effect of the baths?
Via nova and via appai
What was the decor like in the main rooms?
A mix of statues, exotic marble facing and mosaic work
How were the columns positioned at the exterior?
Multi-tiered ranks
What did the Baths of Caracalla want to achieve by having multi-tiered ranks of columns and niches?
Recall theatre frontages
What else did the Baths of Caracalla provide?
Public facilities e.g. libraries etc
What were the actual baths like?
Gaint frigidarium at centre (three cross vaults and bays in each corner with plunge baths)
Where was the palaestra?
East wing
How was the palaestra open?
Portico of corinthian columns on each side
How many exhedra’s were there?
3
