The Roman Baths

The Roman Bath was a place where ancient Romans bathed. By the mid-3rd century BC during the Roman Republic, Romans had already realized that cleanliness contributed to good health and believed that profuse sweating could expel diseases. People began using the vapor from hot springs for wellness, convinced that a sweat bath would bring health. Famous examples include the Baths of Caracalla and the Baths of Diocletian. However, because ancient Rome’s plumbing systems did not connect to individual homes, building private baths at home was a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Small public baths began to emerge during this time, and by the 3rd century BC, public baths had become the preferred choice for many Romans, with only the poorest having to make do with washing in rivers.

From the late Republic to the Roman Empire, large-scale, luxurious public baths were built in great numbers, eventually exceeding a thousand. The baths were constructed with marble and mosaic floors, adorned with murals and statues, and equipped with extraordinary furnishings. The buildings were grand, two stories high with arched doorways, and the interiors were splendid, complemented by the murals and statues. At the center was a large gymnasium with two fountains. The facility covered six acres and could accommodate 1,600 people. Along the central axis of the baths were three main rooms for cold, warm, and hot water, with sports fields, changing rooms, and other recreational facilities on either side. During this period, not only were public baths numerous, but they were also extremely luxurious, sometimes called “palaces for the common people.” The baths also housed gyms, restaurants, theaters, libraries, and art galleries. Romans came to the baths not just to bathe; they could also discuss business, settle legal disputes, and engage in other social activities. The baths also served as a place for exercise and recreation. Before bathing, people would typically exercise in the gymnasium, running, wrestling, doing gymnastics, and throwing the discus to work up a sweat, which was believed to enhance physical fitness and prevent disease.

Additionally, ancient Romans placed a high value on cleanliness and grooming, and mirrors were hung in public baths and many other public places. However, the mirrors of that time were made of polished bronze and were not very clear, which is why it is said, “For now we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). The images they reflected were “dim” and indistinct outlines. Similarly, our knowledge of many spiritual matters is extremely limited, and thus our gifts are also limited and not worthy of being exalted.