Roman Baths Flashcards
What was at Aquae Sulis before the Roman Baths?
A sacred spring which the Celts believed possessed healing qualities due to the goddess Sulis
Who is the patron goddess of the Baths and why?
Sulis Minerva
- both Celtic and Roman goddesses
- Romanisation
Why is the Bath complex so large in size?
The Romans didn’t have to heat the water with a hypocaust as the springs delivered naturally hot water
- hypocausts requires many slaves and lots of fuel to heat the water
What would be thrown in the Sacred Spring?
good luck charms
offerings
cursed tablets
What was the importance of Bath Houses?
they were a place of socialization
business meetings would take place (sometimes)
patrons would go with clients - show of power
place of healing/hygiene
relaxation & games - gambling
many would have a palaestra to exercise in beforehand to ‘build up a sweat’
