Picture of Frigidarium or cold bath in the Baths of Caracalla (Rome, Italy)

Frigidarium in the Baths of Caracalla

Send image of Frigidarium or cold bath in the Baths of Caracalla as a free postcard
Download picture of Frigidarium or cold bath in the Baths of Caracalla
Purchase Frigidarium or cold bath in the Baths of Caracalla (Italy)

Once the largest baths in the world, lavishly decorated and providing the ultimate bathing luxury for its visitors, the Baths of Caracalla have long since turned into ruins.
The Baths of Caracalla were obviously built under the reign of Caracalla, in the early 3rd century CE, and were the largest thermae of their kind in the world. It was able to accomodate 1600 bathers. The Terme di Caracalla were very much a predecessor of modern multi-functional thermae, containing more than just a pool and baths. For instance, they held a public library: two equally sized rooms had texts available in Greek and Roman. Then there were gyms where people could practice boxing or wrestling. You could have a massage if you so wanted. And, to top it all off, one side of the complex was a shopping area. Outside, gardens provided for an opportunity to have a stroll and meet friends. Incredible for us, access to the Terme di Caracalla was free. Renting out space for shops and brothels helped to cover costs of the public baths. The baths functioned until 537CE when the invading Goths destroyed the Aqua Maria aquaduct - the water feeder of the baths.
Read more about: Baths of Caracalla

Tags for this picture:
| | | |

bath canal Baths of Caracalla Kaieteur Falls blue silver brown red Europe Asia green black grey white Italy Brunei Rome Newcastle ruins museum

Around the World in 80 Clicks - All rights reserved - www.traveladventures.org - 1999-2009 Share your comments