Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are an ancient set of Roman thermal baths built in the third century CE. Thermal baths, or thermae, were a form of large public bath facilities located in many Roman cities. They were known in antiquity as the Thermae Antoninianae (or, in English, the "Antonine Baths"). People used them to bathe, relax, and interact socially with other members of the community. The Baths of Caracalla are found in the city of Rome and have been reduced to ruins since their original construction. The current remains occupy a space consisting of twenty-seven acres and are regarded as an important tourist attraction. The site was declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1980. In 2012, the Italian government opened a museum in the tunnels under the baths.

Brief History

The idea of public baths was introduced to the Romans by the Greeks, who had been using them since the sixth century. The Greeks typically placed these early simple bath complexes near gymnasiums. After completing their exercise or training, they would collectively clean themselves. The first Greek baths typically consisted of shallow pools, footbaths, and rudimentary showers.

Over time, the Romans adopted the Greek concept of public baths. They evolved to increasingly assume a vital social function in their society. In response to this growing importance, the baths in larger Roman cities became progressively more ornate architectural complexes decorated with detailed statuary and built with mosaic floors and terracotta bricks. The rituals associated with bathing also assumed greater complexity over time.

The Romans placed great importance on these baths. They were initially restricted to men of high status, and these men would gather to discuss matters of state, business, and civil importance in relative privacy. Baths became a staple of Roman society. They proved to be a desirable luxury, particularly in large Roman cities. Rome was located in the hot and sticky Mediterranean climate. Baths allowed citizens to cool off and wash away the dust and dirt associated with living in a city with unpaved roads and congested housing. The number of public and private baths grew between 33 BCE and 400 CE. In 33 BCE, there were an estimated 170 baths of all types in Rome. Within 400 years, 11 public baths and nearly 1,000 private facilities existed within the city of Rome alone. The Baths of Caracalla were among the most spectacular and largest public baths in the Roman Empire; only Trajan's Baths of Rome built in 110 CE were larger.

The Baths of Caracalla were named after Emperor Caracalla (born Marcus Aurelius Antoninus) who was the joint emperor of Rome from 198 to 210 CE with his father Septimius Severus. Thereafter, he became joint emperor with his younger brother Geta and father from 210 to 211 CE, and then the sole emperor from 211 to 217 CE after his father died and he had his brother assassinated. In this unstable political climate, the Baths of Caracalla were built with the intention of gaining the support of the middle and working classes of Rome. During this period, the Severan dynasty (to which Caracalla and his family belonged) found themselves unable to rely upon the support of the traditionally powerful Roman Senate as it had declined in importance.

Like many political figures in the Roman era, the Severans sought to garner support by building public works. The idea of large public baths was probably conceived during the rule of Severus but was not begun until 211 or 212 during Caracalla's reign. The baths were built near the Via Appia, which was among the most heavily used Roman thoroughfares in ancient Rome. By placing this ostentatious public facility so close to the entrance of the Via Appia, Caracalla ensured that people recognized his generosity and power.

The construction of the Baths of Caracalla required a massive effort and a tremendous amount of materials. Caracalla used 13,000 prisoners of war captured from his father's war campaign in Scotland for the baths' construction. An additional 6,000 local workers were employed as well, including bricklayers and marble workers. Archaeologists estimate that in its final incarnation, the baths were composed of 6.9 million bricks, 50 furnaces, and 6300 cubic meters of marble. The primary structure was completed in 217 CE. It was opened by Caracalla toward the end of the initial phase of its construction in 216 CE, although he would not live to see its full splendor. Unpopular and regarded by contemporary scholars as a despot, Caracalla was assassinated by one of his soldiers in 217 CE.

The baths were expanded by several of his successors, including Heliogabalus (who ruled from 218–222) and Severus Alexander (222–235). Heliogabalus expanded the grounds and built several buildings on the site, while Severus Alexander was responsible for completing the baths in their final form in 235. The baths remained fully functional until 537 CE, when the invading Ostrogoths destroyed the aqueduct that supplied the baths with water. While the ruins continued to attract visitors due to their size and associations with the majesty of ancient Rome, they slowly declined over time. Several earthquakes further contributed to their disrepair. In the late twentieth century, greater efforts were made to preserve the remains, and they continued to serve as a popular tourist destination and the site of open-air performances.

Overview

The baths were huge; it is believed that 1,600 people could use the various baths situated throughout the facility. At its peak, it is believed that as many as 8,000 people might have visited the baths on a daily basis. The site contained several different types of baths, including a hot bath (called a calidarium), tepid bath (tepidarium), cold bath (frigidarium), steam baths (laconica), and a giant open air bath (natatio) that also functioned as a swimming pool. The premises included two libraries, gardens, gymnasiums for practicing various sports such as wrestling, and a series of stores. The baths were decorated with detailed statuary such as the Farnese Hercules, which was recovered at the site in 1546. The main building consisted of four floors, two of which were underground.

The baths were staffed by slaves and generally open from noon to dusk. The process of using the baths followed a strict regimen. Bathers would start with a hot bath in the calidarium, followed by a visit to the tepidarium, and then the frigidarium. The baths were open to both men and women, who often used many of the same facilities.

Bibliography

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