Nowadays, we associate stays in thermal baths with biological regeneration and that’s basically the end. And how was it in antiquity?
Ancient Roman baths were not only a place where you could take care of your personal hygiene, physical fitness and experience blissful relaxation. But also and perhaps above all a center for the development of social, cultural and political life. In the thermal baths, you could explore the scientific and literary works of contemporary artists – the Caracalla baths had two library rooms to offer.
There were also daily discussions on political and literary topics, recitative and musical performances. For contemporary poets and musicians, it was a way of self-promotion. A stay in the thermal baths was also an opportunity to exchange the latest rumors regarding especially the current political situation and often an opportunity to kill a lucrative business.
However, the ancient Romans in thermal baths had the opportunity to learn about the latest trends of contemporary fashion. It all shows how many positive cultural patterns we can draw from that period.
