The development of the architecture of Rome has always been closely connected with the very course of the history of the city. In the era of early Rome, the city was built chaotically and randomly, without a general plan. Primitive dwellings scattered along the narrow, crooked streets of the city were characteristic of the appearance of the great city. The large, monumental buildings with which we are so accustomed to associate the city were only temples and houses of the nobility.
When Rome began to build its majestic history, then the beauty of the "eternal city" also increased. By the time the reign of Octavian Augustus began, the city was immersed in numerous problems, the inhabitants were exhausted by long years of unrest and struggle for power. Taking into account this fact, Octavian Augustus took up the construction of a new image of Rome, which was to include not only monumental temple complexes, but also numerous places of entertainment, places for citizens to relax. The Roman emperor entrusted this matter to his closest colleague, Mark Vipsanius Agrippa. Indeed, the fruits of his work have become the talk of the town: this is the updated water supply system of the city, and numerous fountains, and grandiose arches. However, the main brainchild of Agrippa wasbath in ancient Rome.
Having laid the traditions of bathing culture in the city, Agrippa must have had no idea how popular they would become among the nobility and in Roman society. Evidence of this is the construction of many new similar objects in subsequent periods of history. Soon, Roman baths (terms) began to appear here and there, like mushrooms after rain. They were built during the period of Titus, Nero, Trajan, Caracalla, Diocletian and other emperors.
Very soon the bath in Ancient Rome became very popular. Baths began to grow throughout the city, existed at gymnasiums, in rich houses. A good half of Rome washed in them. Baths were not only a place for bathing, they became the center of the city's social life. Some of them accommodated more than 2,000 people, and it was here that after swimming people sat down to talk, some preferred walks in the park, some immersed themselves in reading in the libraries equipped here. In a word, the baths began to serve as a place not only for hygiene, but also turned into recreation centers for citizens.
Some scientists express the opinion that the bath in ancient Rome was the best boon that the emperors managed to do for their people. But we should not forget that they were not only a place of rest, but also beautiful works of art. As a rule, either parks for recreation or sports grounds were located near the baths. From the locker room, decorated with magnificent decoration, visitors got into a room with a domedceiling and brightly painted walls. From the dressing room it was also possible to get into another room - a kind of prototype of our steam room. However, caldarii served as a real steam room - rooms with wet steam and heated walls and floors, there were also fountains and utensils for washing.
Bath in ancient Rome became the focus of luxury and splendor. Marble, silver, gold, precious stones - all this was her indispensable attribute.
Thus, the Roman baths were not only a means of hygiene, but also became a symbol of the greatness of Rome. Also, over time, they became the center of the socio-political life of the great empire.
