Baths and Hygiene - Cleaning - Latrines - Baths as Social Occasions
Although to us bathing is a private affair, it was not always so to the ancients who made bathing part of their active social lives. Here you'll find resources on this ancient social, hygienic custom.
Aqueducts, Water Supply and Sewage in Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome is known for its water supply. Here is a look at what prompted her major innovation, the aqueduct, and some of the ways Rome managed the water supply.
Ancient Rome is known for its water supply. Here is a look at what prompted her major innovation, the aqueduct, and some of the ways Rome managed the water supply.
Gulf of Cambay
Marine experts discovered artifacts in the Arabian Sea they believe to be between 4000 and 6000 years old -- perhaps an ancient Harappan settlement. What appear to be steps in the underwater ruins suggest the area may have contained a bath, which is the central feature of other ancient Harappan towns.
Marine experts discovered artifacts in the Arabian Sea they believe to be between 4000 and 6000 years old -- perhaps an ancient Harappan settlement. What appear to be steps in the underwater ruins suggest the area may have contained a bath, which is the central feature of other ancient Harappan towns.
Hygiene in Ancient Rome
Hygiene in ancient Rome included baths, toilets, cleansers, access to facilities, and high standards of cleanliness.
Hygiene in ancient Rome included baths, toilets, cleansers, access to facilities, and high standards of cleanliness.
Curse Tablets
Bath thieves were a substantial problem for Romans who went to the baths each day. A bit of magic to protect their garments from theft may actually have done some good.
Bath thieves were a substantial problem for Romans who went to the baths each day. A bit of magic to protect their garments from theft may actually have done some good.
Bath Glossary of Technical Terms - balnea - thermae
Technical Roman bath glossary of terms from balnea to thermae.
Technical Roman bath glossary of terms from balnea to thermae.
Photographs of Baths at Pompeii
These photographs were taken of the remains of baths at Pompeii.
These photographs were taken of the remains of baths at Pompeii.
Keeping Cool
Ancient history provides examples of cooling techniques.
Ancient history provides examples of cooling techniques.
Ancient Locker Rooms
While they scraped the sweat and water from their bodies, no combination lock kept their gear safe, but a death penalty acted as a deterrent.
While they scraped the sweat and water from their bodies, no combination lock kept their gear safe, but a death penalty acted as a deterrent.
Gorgon's Head at Bath
A benign and masculine Gorgon head was placed on the pediment of the Roman temple to Sulis-Minerva. This Athena Review Image Archive shows its significance.
A benign and masculine Gorgon head was placed on the pediment of the Roman temple to Sulis-Minerva. This Athena Review Image Archive shows its significance.
History of Ancient Roman Baths
What prompted the Romans to litter the landscape with baths? Weather, natural hot springs, and the Greeks.
What prompted the Romans to litter the landscape with baths? Weather, natural hot springs, and the Greeks.
Roman Baths of Valesio
M.C. Kosian discusses possible design schemes of Roman baths in Late Antiquity. Examines rules given by Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius. Architectural mathematical detail.
M.C. Kosian discusses possible design schemes of Roman baths in Late Antiquity. Examines rules given by Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius. Architectural mathematical detail.
Soap Factory
Explains the history of soap, archaeological evidence for its early use, remains of a Pompeiian soap factory, and Pliny's description of its composition.
Explains the history of soap, archaeological evidence for its early use, remains of a Pompeiian soap factory, and Pliny's description of its composition.
Baths
A tour of the Roman baths in Bath (UK), with a photo gallery.
A tour of the Roman baths in Bath (UK), with a photo gallery.
Roman Curse Tablets
When Irene Hahn visited Römerhalle Museum in Bad Kreuznach, she discovered curse tablets at a cemetery.
When Irene Hahn visited Römerhalle Museum in Bad Kreuznach, she discovered curse tablets at a cemetery.
Glossary of Bathing Terms
List of terms with definitions related to bathing with references to the Roman writers who mention these sometimes contradictory, confusing terms.
List of terms with definitions related to bathing with references to the Roman writers who mention these sometimes contradictory, confusing terms.
Roman Baths
John Porter's glossary of bathing-related terms, including thermae, balneae, palaestra, and strigil.
John Porter's glossary of bathing-related terms, including thermae, balneae, palaestra, and strigil.
History of Ancient Roman Baths
A look at the hypocaust system and the architecture of the baths, dating back to 2nd century BC.
A look at the hypocaust system and the architecture of the baths, dating back to 2nd century BC.