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Baths in Ancient Rome
As a mainstay of the roman empire, baths in ancient Roman Cities often consisted of large complexes with rooms to educate, relax, and talk with others as well as bathe.
Baths were also a major contributor to the creation of classical dome structures.
Due to the need for huge spaces open for lots of people to walk around and bathe.
The origins of baths can be traced back to the Greeks, who had “hip-baths”. Hip baths consisted of an area of water where one could bath the lower half of their body.
The romans expanded upon this idea by including larger bath complexes with a wider variety of resources, located near city forums.
A few of the wealthier people in ancient rome even had their own …show more content…
Way to demonstrate their wealth (example: baths of caracalla)
What does it tell us about this civilization?
Showy, social, advanced
2nd page of role of baths
Influences/importance on modern society.
How do baths influence modern society?
The concept of a location for people to gather and socialize continues to be a huge part of our everyday lives.
For example, fitness clubs where people can work out, bathe, read, relax, and eat.
Is it copied in modern architecture (are there modern examples)?
The domes used in the baths of caracalla are used throughout architecture today in a wide variety of locations.
Stabian Baths Pompeii frigidarium dome
Frigidarium of the baths of caracalla inspired chicago Railroad station and Penn Station in NYC
Use of concrete to create walls farther apart that were sturdier
Is it no longer useful for the modern world?
Instead of serving as a place for people to bathe and socialize, many ancient roman baths now serve as museums, concert locations, and funerals.
For example, the baths of diocletian now house the Museo Nazionale Romano in its great hall.