Baths Of Caracalla
One of dozens of public baths (there’s even one in England) the Baths of Caracalla were constructed from about 212-126 AD under the auspices of the Roman Emperor Caracalla. They were in active use for about 230 years, after which they fell to ruin. Enough of the baths are preserved that they can be viewed by visitors.
Baths, back in Ancient Roman times, were not only for getting clean, but they were also a social place where friends gathered (presumably scrubbed one another’s backs!) and would read or study, then perhaps take a stroll along one of the pathways. They were a lot like modern exercise clubs, with a side feature of body care, in times before a bathroom tap in your private home delivered hot water (water was heated by hot air under the baths at places like Caracalla). If a person was feeling ill or run down, a bath was the prescription.
The Baths of Caracalla were beautifully decorated and luxurious with marble mosaic floors, glass ceilings and large bronze doors at the entryways to the four main baths. They boasted marble walls that were decorated with paintings and mosaics. No wonder people flocked there, and still do, only not for a leisurely soak!
