Public Baths
Public Baths:
The Public Baths were a central part of a romans social life. Not only did the baths provide a place for roman people to cleanse themselves, they provided a place for socialization and exercise.The baths came from the need for a community gathering place. Many community and social functions were held at the baths. The bath houses had workout equipment such as weights or discus, for men to improve there strength and endurance. Many people from the upper class used them daily while lower classes only used them once a week. The bath houses were very popular among all classes so theft was very prevalent. After work many people went to the baths to read at the library, meet with friends, or exercise.
Engineering
The baths got there water from natural hot springs below them which went through a system of pumps which lead into large pool areas. The baths also had heaters to maintain temperature and sophisticated vaulted ceilings. The bath houses also had what was then a revolutionary material concrete. At one point in time of classical Rome there was as may as 900 public baths. The smaller ones could only hold 300 people and the larger ones could hold up to 3,000.