Roman Baths At Aquae Sulis

Question 1

Tepidarium

Answer 1

Warm room

Question 2

Caldarium

Answer 2

Hot room

Question 3

Frigidarium

Answer 3

Cold room

Question 4

Apodyterium

Answer 4

Changing room

Question 5

Hypocaust

Answer 5

Underfloor heating

Question 6

Gymnasium

Answer 6

Training area

Question 7

Functions of Roman baths

Answer 7

• Hygiene
• Socializing
• Business
• Politics/networking
• Opportunities for social mixing (upper + lower classes attend)
• Commercial activity
• Studying

Question 8

Where is Aquae Sulis?

Answer 8

Modern city of Bath, valley of river Avon

Question 9

What is Aquae Sulis?

Answer 9

• Hot mineral springs of water: calcium, magnesium, sodium
• Largest set of baths west of Rome

Question 10

What does Aquae Sulis contain?

Answer 10

• Sacred spring (enclosed in large reservoir)
• Three main plunge baths, constant supply of water from spring (lead pipes at pleasant temperature)
• Suite of hot, warm and cold baths heated by hypocaust

Question 11

How does Aquae Sulis link with religion?

Answer 11

• Spring sacred under Briton-Celts
• Worship of goddess Sulis, visitors travel long distances, they believe in the power of healing in her sacred waters (relief from rheumatism, arthritis, miraculous cures of diseases)
• Romans know of its religious significance + built baths complex = political-imperial propaganda, spreads Roman customs + beliefs
• ‘Curse tablets’ to thieves

Question 12

What did they build for the religion?

Answer 12

• Temple constructed + sanctuary developed: sacred spring-baths complex-temple-altar
• In temple: bronze statues of Sulis-Minerva, links Celtic goddess Sulis to Roman Minerva