Latrines - Hygiene - Roman Baths
Bath Glossary of Technical Terms - balnea - thermae
Technical Roman bath glossary of terms from balnea to thermae.
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.
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.
Hypocaust Form of Central Heating
Hypocausts were used by the Romans to heat large areas, like public baths.
Keeping Cool
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.
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.
History of Ancient Roman Baths
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.
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.
Baths
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.
Roman Baths
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.