*Intro to thermae on "3rd Six Weeks" page
The Baths of Caracalla
Ruins of the Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla were located in the city of Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire. They were opened in 217 AD by Emperor Caracalla as one of his public works projects. Supplied with water by the Aqua Marcia Aqueduct, these massive baths took up around 27 acres of land and could hold over 1600 people at one time! As the main bath complex for the city of Rome, these thermae were visited by many citizens and visitors to the city.
Despite, the name, the Baths of Caracalla were not only meant for bathing. The entire complex included a gymnasium, gardens, libraries, art galleries, shops, and lecture halls. The complex served as a leisure center for the entire city of Rome. It was also a place for people to study, learn, do business, bathe, and most importantly, socialize. These thermae, like many others, acted as the city's center of social interaction by allowing citizens to participate in different activities together.
Despite, the name, the Baths of Caracalla were not only meant for bathing. The entire complex included a gymnasium, gardens, libraries, art galleries, shops, and lecture halls. The complex served as a leisure center for the entire city of Rome. It was also a place for people to study, learn, do business, bathe, and most importantly, socialize. These thermae, like many others, acted as the city's center of social interaction by allowing citizens to participate in different activities together.
Interior Design
Restoration of The Farnese Bull
Perhaps one of the most unique and beautiful parts of the Baths of Caracalla were the architectural and artistic designs. Greek columns and arches of granite kept the large roof from collapsing. Mosaics covered the floors. Statues and busts of gods and heroic events lined the halls. Due to the degrading state of the bath complex because of earthquakes, many statues were destroyed and could not be recovered. However, some, such as The Farnese Bull (picture right) were found and restored. This statue depicts two god-like young men battling a fierce bull that is trampling a young woman. Heroic deeds similar to this one were depicted in both the statues and mosaics of the baths. The decorative fountains were another important feature.
Take a virtual tour of the Baths of Caracalla!
Similarities and Differences to Other Thermae
Like the other thermae in the Roman Empire, the Baths of Caracalla had a palaestra and three types of pools: a caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium. The baths were also heated by hypocausts and had plumbing, just like the other thermae around the empire. They were supplied by aqueducts, the main source of water for all buildings in the empire that required it. Even though the Baths of Caracalla are Roman, they still defer from other Roman baths. The Baths of Caracalla are larger than any other thermae, most likely due to the fact that the location in Rome meant that they had to support a much larger population. The interior was more elaborately decorated with statues and mosaics than the other baths spread around the empire. These thermae also included features that few other baths possessed, including libraries, courts, and halls for study and lectures.