The Baths Flashcards
What was the first thing that could be done at the baths
Go to the palaestra (exercise area) to work up a sweat and discuss business with friends after paying a small fee to the doorkeeper. Exercise inc. wrestling, fencing, ball throwing etc.
Where would they get changed
apodyterium which had alcoves in the walls to store belongings. These were guarded by capsarius
What was the first room inside the baths
tepidarium or warm room. The walls and floors were directly radiated by heat where they could relax on benches
What was after the tepidarium
calidarium or hot room. There was a marble bath called alveus and a dry area called laconium to induce sweat.
How were they cleaned
Slave would rub body with oil then scrape of excess with blunt blade called strigil. They would then have a dip in the bath
How was the calidarium so hot
There were air ducts in the walls allowing the steam to enter. The roof had grooves to channel condensation away so do drips. Max temp. 55*C
What was the final part of the baths
Go back to tepidarium to regulate body temp then into the frigidarium where they would jump into deep unheated plunge pool to close pores before drying and getting changed again
How were the baths heated
Furnace placed below ground level and floor supported by small piles allowing hot air to circulate. Hot bath placed near the furnace
Later channels built into walls so air was drawn up through them heating walls and floors
What was the heating system known as and what fuel was burned
Hypocaust and wood and fuel commonly burned
Shops at the baths
Around baths were series of shops selling sausages, cakes etc. for people once they have bathed. Also shops selling togas for women to buy.
thermopolium were fast food shops where food heated and sold
Why would people go to the baths
To meet with friends and to clean
