THE ROMANS IN BRITAIN: Roman Bath Flashcards
What were the springs considered as?
Before the Romans, it was considered sacred.
The Romans used it as a place of pilgrimage
What was the spring enclosed in?
A large resovoir lined with lead and stone
How was water transferred to different rooms?
Lead piping system
Closest pool to spring was the hottest, and furthest was the coldest
What was the water of Aquae Sulis known for?
Its healing powers
What was Goddess Sulis
Known for healing power to cure illnesses through immersion in the spring waters
Goddess of healing, wisdom and the arts
Source: Elderly woman Aventina
Tombstone says that she came from Gaul, died at age 58 at Aquae Sulis. She might have come in the hope to be healed
What did Romans believe about medical and divine power?
Saw them as equal
So temple was constructed next to the bath buildings
Altar at the front of the temple
What was Goddess Sulis renamed to?
Goddess Sulis Minerva
Encouraged the British to recognise the power as they already knew Sulis
What was Aquae Sulis a place of?
Religious Pilgrimage
Tourist centre
Layout of Baths
Caldarium - warm, slaves would rub perfumed oil on them and scrape it off with a strigil knife
Tepidarium - warm
Frigidarium - cold pool
Baths
What did people do at Aquae Sulis (offerings)
Jewellery
Gold coins
Vessels
PSB
Source: Solinus the wonders of the world
‘sumptous splendour’ - positive
‘patron goddess’ - sacred
Written for tourists?
Wonders of world suggests Aquae Sulis emphasises its popularity
What are defixiones?
Curse tablets - curses written on tablets to convey it to God.
What were defixiones made of?
Sheets of lead inscribed with curses
Generally directed at thieves
Where were defixiones kept?
In a tomb
Dedicated to a God
