Public baths have always been in demand among the people, many people remember this from Soviet times. But the history of such institutions began in the Ancient Roman Empire.

Ancient Roman baths instantly became a cultural place for the whole people. They were large-scale recreation centers of mass use throughout history, and their architecture and decoration amazed with their luxury and originality.

Layout features

The device of the Roman bath in the photo

A distinctive feature of such places of rest from modern ones is a large number of rooms, each of them had a certain humidity and temperature inside. Visitors to the baths in Rome first found themselves in a dressing room with cool air, then there was a room with a more heated atmosphere, about 40 degrees, and humidity no more than 40%.

Then the Roman bath passed into a hot room (up to 50 degrees) with a humidity of up to 100% and a room with heating up to eighty degrees, and a humidity of no more than 20% - the so-called dry steam room. After the hot halls, there were cool rooms for relaxation, massage and other hygiene procedures, as well as places with two pools of different water temperatures.

All the halls had certain names, namely:

apodytherium;
tepidarium;
callidarium;
laconium;
frigidarium;
lavarium.

Baths in Rome at that time were often called terms and not by chance. The fact is that they used water exclusively from thermal reservoirs. Such an arrangement of the bath in Ancient Rome made it possible to use an already warm liquid, therefore, there was no need to spend time and money on heating it. Water from the springs was drawn into the pools twice a day and used for all other needs.

Almost immediately after its foundation, the Roman baths began to be replenished with new premises for more diverse leisure activities. Here you could also visit a place for reading, a special hall for sports, watch a theater performance and have lunch. All this was done so that, having come to the place of rest, the visitor could safely spend the whole day here, while receiving everything he needed.

Unique architecture

Spacious space is one of the features

Since the activity of the term was based on the supply of already hot liquid from thermal springs, it was also mainly used to heat rooms. Thus, water from sources with a temperature of about 40 degrees passed through pipes built into the walls and under them, giving off part of its heat to the rooms. A building with a high temperature required more heating, so under their floors in the basement floors there were stoves with large containers filled with water, which boiled all the time and the resulting steam heated the rooms. This steam entered the hall through special air ducts in the walls of the steam rooms. So that one could move on the floor above the boilers without burning their feet, the resting places were equipped with double floors.

The benefits of structural features

Thanks to the variety of entertainment offered to the people in the baths, each person could fully relax, unwind and have a good time here, but this is not the main benefit. The location of all the rooms in the Roman steam room was not accidental: it is the smooth transition from low to high temperatures, and vice versa, that contributes to a more comfortable state of the whole organism in the bath. That is, coming first to a cool room, then to a warmer one, and only then to the steam room, the possibility of overstrain for the body is excluded. A person will no longer feel constant dryness in the mouth and the need to drink as soon as possible. The same effect is achieved when moving from a steam room to a warm pool, and only then to a cold one.

Luxurious decoration

The Roman bath was the "calling card" of the entire Empire; it invariably shone with beauty and luxury. Its plumbing was made of precious metals or stones of natural origin, walls and floors were laid out with mosaics, pools and deck chairs were made of natural marble. Despite all this luxury, the bath in Ancient Rome was accessible to all segments of the population. The entrance fee to the steam room was low, so both poor people and wealthy residents of the city could safely afford to come here. It was the bath-therma that became the place where the boundaries between the layers of the population were erased, because without clothes and jewelry we are all equal.

Modern terms

Modern terma in the photo

Of course, the former grandeur and luxury of the baths in Rome is not available to us in modern times. First of all, this is due to expensive construction, because now, using natural materials and complex communications, it is impossible to request a small fee for visiting. Moreover, the bath-therma is now just a place for water procedures, there is no need to build a library or a restaurant in it, it is enough to divide it into several rooms with an autonomous climate in each.

Modern design has also undergone changes, but all the arches, antique statues and columns remain indispensable attributes of ancient steam rooms. The floor is now laid out with imitation stone, and stylized tiles are used instead of marble, but even such savings can only be made by private property and cannot be public.

Leave the ball, the bell is already ringing - terma is calling you too.

(Martial)

Loyalty to the civic spirit, patriotism, the labor and capital market, a professional army, state customs, concrete and the "Roman vault", numbers, aqueducts, fountains ... It is impossible to list everything that the descendants of the Etruscans gave the world. Perhaps the most well-known gift of the valiant Romans is the bath - an example of a skillful combination of engineering and artistic taste.

It is difficult to say which bath is the oldest: Egyptian, Babylonian, Russian, or maybe Japanese or Chinese. Whatever it was, the Roman bath is one of the oldest.

At first, Roman baths were built near thermal springs, which made it possible to use their waters directly. Hence the name itself - terms. Subsequently, thanks to the aqueducts and the plumbing system, it became possible to build baths in cities. The largest baths were in Rome. Construction was the responsibility of the state. Every self-respecting emperor, seeking people's love, was simply obliged to build baths that surpassed the baths of their predecessor in size and beauty. So, located near the Colosseum, the famous baths of Caracalla were designed for 2300 people. The total area was 12 hectares. And the baths of Diocletian accommodated 3,500 people who wanted to take a steam bath. For convenience, in addition to three large pools, the side of one of which stretched for one and a half kilometers, individual fonts were equipped. Then 40 thousand people worked during the construction for 5 years.

The baths themselves were grandiose structures. During construction, they did not save on anything. Luxury, luxury in everything! Huge rooms, decorated with mosaics, arches, columns, vaults. The incredible variety of natural stone used in the decoration, porphyry and marble, tuff and travertine, onyx and granite, created a unique play of color. Washstands were trimmed with gold and silver.

Marble statues of the best craftsmen decorated niches and corridors. So the sculpture of the attendant with the curbstone by the famous master Luzippa met everyone at the entrance to the baths of Agrippa. The statue of Laocoon with two sons was found during excavations of another bath.

For the pampered nobility, more and more new devices were invented: a marble bath was suspended from the ceiling on chains, in which water procedures were combined with swinging, like on a swing. But there was no limit to the sophistication of the Roman aristocracy. By order of the wife of Emperor Nero, Poppeas kept 500 donkeys at the bathhouse. Their milk filled the bath, in which the Empress dipped her well-groomed body. Why donkey? Unknown.

However, the usual hygiene procedures did not end there. The concept of a Roman bath is much broader. They came to the bath from early morning and stayed until late evening. Under the vaults of the bathhouse there was an arena for sports games, a gym, a canteen, a library, a stadium. Orators practiced the art of speaking beautifully, poets recited poetry, merchants made deals, politicians managed affairs of state, conspirators weaved webs of intrigue, idlers spread rumors, lovers made dates, the sick were treated, musicians gave concerts. Some baths even had theaters.

Roman bath arrangement

The device of the Roman bath is thought out to the smallest detail. In the presence of constant hot water from natural sources (37–40 °C), the main task was to warm up the room. The fire was kindled nearby in the furnace and the heat was pumped under the floor with the help of bellows. Steam and warm air through the holes in the walls and under the floor warmed the room to the desired temperature. In order not to get burned when walking, the floor was made double. Wooden slippers were worn for additional protection. In the morning, drum rolls announced the discovery to the residents. Everyone from the plebeian to the emperor had the right to visit.

The Roman bath consisted of eight rooms. The procedure itself was thought out in such a way as to enable the body to gradually adapt to the intense heat. After the preliminary washing, the Romans entered tepidarium - slightly heated room. From there they followed to a hotter - collidarium . After the body got used to it, it was possible to take a steam bath in the hottest room - laconium (up to 60 °С). The reverse process was also gentle: first they plunged into a pool of heated water (37 °C) and only then cooled down in cold water (12 °C). Then began massage procedures and kneading, haircut, rubbing creams and essential oils, hair removal. The Romans wore open sandals, so they spent a lot of time caring for the skin of their feet.

Modern Roman bath

Baths in Europe were consigned to oblivion after, no matter how strange it may sound, the introduction of a “ban” on cleanliness. After many years, the Roman bath returned more compact, but broadcasting a peculiar style. The principle of the bath is completely preserved. It, as before, consists of several compartments with different temperatures and degrees of humidity, a swimming pool, treatment rooms. It also heats up from the floor and walls.

The interior design follows the Roman style. Arches, columns, arches, niches, statues, gold or silver finishes, an abundance of natural stone, mosaics, marble seats - all this can return to ancient times, make you feel the atmosphere of carefree luxury.

The beneficial effect of the Roman bath on the body is due to the gradual adaptation to the heat, which allows you to restart metabolic processes, activate blood circulation. The inclusion of immunomodulating systems helps the body to successfully fight colds and inflammatory diseases. Such a bath favorably affects the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, relieves muscle fatigue, and promotes joint mobility. However, high temperature and humidity are not shown to everyone. Any acute illness, pregnancy, diseases of the kidneys, respiratory tract and any manifestation of oncology will make visiting the bath extremely undesirable.

One of the first to build premises designed specifically for washing, soaring and relaxing, the ancient Romans decided. They called their baths the baths, since the place for construction was always chosen near the sources of thermal waters, of which there were a great many on the territory of Ancient Rome. Moreover, preference was given to those sources in which the temperature was similar to the natural temperature of the human body, that is, 35-37 degrees.

In ancient times, Roman baths were built near thermal springs.

Heating features

The Roman bath was characterized by a rather original heating system. To maintain the optimal temperature regime, thermal water was used, which was supplied to the baths through pipes, thus heating the room. The temperature of the water in the pool was also maintained by thermal waters.

Below, under the floor of the Roman baths, there were boilers with water and stoves, hot steam flowed through pipes into the steam room. The heated air went into the double floor, and then through ceramic pipes built into the wall, went into the steam room. Therefore, the terma bath warmed up very well.

Another feature of the Roman baths is the highest humidity in some rooms, reaching 100%. Therefore, for the production of steam in the center of the hall, there was always a furnace.

Roman baths

Public baths of ancient Rome were a cult place, striking in its size. There were about six main rooms directly related to bathing procedures.

The first room was called the apoditerium - this is a kind of dressing room, that is, a cool room where vacationers undressed and left their clothes.

Then it was necessary to visit the tepidarium, where the temperature was already around 40 °. In this rather warm room, it was possible to warm up so that the body would not receive a sharp shock from the high temperature of the steam room. There was also a swimming pool in which one could swim and improve physical fitness.

The next room to go was the callidarium, with the temperature already around 60-70°C. This is a humid steam room where the body is heated, sweating intensively and, as a result, the accumulated toxins are removed. This room also provided for a pool with warm thermal water.

If desired, the vacationer could also visit a hotter, dry steam room called Laconium, where the temperature was kept around 85 °. Since the air here is dry and hot, it was not recommended to spend more than 10 minutes in the laconium.

After the hot air of the steam room, one could rest and relax in a cool room called the frigidarium, where a cold water pool was necessarily provided.

The prototype of a modern spa can be considered a lavarium - a room where they rubbed themselves with oils, poured water over them and performed massage procedures.

Roman Bath Therma is made for socializing

The Roman bath was not only meant for bathing, but also for socializing, which is why they were so big.

The Roman bath of the past years was a kind of center of public life. Here they not only bathed and bathed, but also rested their souls, enjoyed communication. Libraries, rest rooms, gyms, massage rooms were provided for the cultural life of the Romans in the huge premises of the baths.

To delight the eyes of vacationers, the interior was distinguished by extraordinary luxury. What are only expensive marble pools, basins made of gold or silver, washstands made of precious metals! The Roman baths of the terms were decorated with sculptures, murals, hanging gardens, and entire systems of fountains.

Modern thermal baths

The Roman bath involves several rooms with different temperatures.

It is worth recognizing that modern terms, unfortunately, have little in common with their ancient predecessors. Of course, some features have been preserved, but the scale has been much reduced, and the heating principle is different.

In any case, Roman baths are not a cheap pleasure, because they necessarily provide for the presence of several rooms with different air temperatures and humidity, there must also be at least 2 large pools in which you can swim, and not just plunge. In addition, only marble, natural stones, and expensive mosaics are used for cladding internal surfaces in the classic version of the Roman bath.

Real terms should have special, special heated sunbeds, fountains and, of course, thermal springs. That is why it is very difficult to realize the idea of building a classic Roman bath. Currently, more budget options are most often built, which can be called Roman baths, unfortunately, with a high degree of conventionality.

We usually take a steam bath in Russian or Finnish style, with brooms, with hot steam, while achieving an acceleration of blood circulation, which in itself is very beneficial for the whole organism. But as take a steam bath in a Roman bath and how is it useful?

But with all due respect to the Russian and Finnish baths, Roman bath is much more effective, and especially for the female body.

In addition, unlike the Russian and Finnish baths, Roman steam room has no contraindications- it can be taken even by hypertensive patients.

And the procedures included in the Roman bathing ritual seem to have been specially invented for beauty - they are willingly used by SPA salons.

Cleansing occurs on all three levels: physical, mental and energy, which is why after a Roman bath you feel a huge surge of energy, the skin feels like polished silk, and the mood is usually such that you want to sing.

ROMAN BATH - HOW TO STEAM CORRECTLY:

Physical exercise.

Before entering the steam room for the first time, you need to do a light warm-up. It should be very smooth movements, such as slow bends, stretches and stretches of the main muscle groups.

Soothing warmth.

The temperature in the steam room should be 70-80°C- it is fundamentally.

Only at this temperature is it possible to cleanse the body from the inside, since such a thermal regime creates optimal conditions that ensure the opening of the pores, and they release everything that the body does not need.
In such a steam room, the skin literally oozes, which does not always (and not for everyone) happen in the burning air of the sauna.

Soap instead of oil.

The reason for this replacement is that the oil, due to its special molecular structure, has a high ability to penetrate deep into the skin.
It works like a charter transport: having delivered useful amino acids into the skin, the oil completely comes out, taking with it all the debris that accumulates in sebum.

As a result of such work, the pores are cleaned to such a depth that even not all acids can do.

The most recognized pore cleansers are almond, olive and castor oils. Tibetan medicine recommends sesame oil.

The oil is rubbed into the steamed skin.

Instead of a washcloth - a brush.

Get a natural hair brush.

Of course, it will have to be changed more often, but it is these brushes that perfectly cope with deep cleaning.

Massage the whole body properly with a brush.

No more than three visits.

This restriction is caused by the risk of dehydration.

Open pores do not care what to let out - a contaminated liquid or a clean one, and therefore a strict norm must be observed.

To solve the problem of deep cleaning, three visits to the steam room are absolutely enough.

No more than 15 minutes.

Time in the steam room in each run should not exceed 15 minutes, and time between visits is no more than 30 minutes.

Compliance with this rule will ensure optimal cleaning of the skin, since the pores under the influence of different temperatures make pulsating movements: they open, then they shrink - and thereby push out the maximum amount of pollution.

The Roman ritual is very soft and delicate, and there are no restrictions on its multiplicity.

Perform it at least daily - and you will get a renewed body.
Ask how is it?

Should we talk about silky skin?
And what about the morning swelling that will leave you after the first bath?
What about the feeling of lightness?
Finally, a great mood - name the one who refuses it.

The Roman bath cleanses not only the physical body - it is a way of thorough cleansing. Therefore, the soul sings after the bath!

Roman bath - how to take a steam bath
How to take a steam bath in a Roman bath and how is it useful? We usually take a steam bath in Russian or Finnish style, with brooms, with hot steam, while achieving an acceleration of blood circulation, which in itself is very beneficial for the whole organism.

The very first premises that were used for mass bathing and relaxation appeared in Ancient Rome.

Roman baths were built near natural thermal springs, the water temperature in which did not exceed 37 degrees. Thanks to this fact, they got their unique name - "terms". The buildings were striking in the scale and originality of architectural forms, the convenience and safety of bathing procedures.

Functional rooms of the Roman baths

What are the classical Roman baths of thermae? This is a set of functional rooms, each of which has its own temperature regime and humidity level.

The very process of visiting the baths among the Romans took place as follows: getting into the dressing room (apodyterium) with chilled air, visitors prepared for the passage of basic procedures.

Then we moved to a room (tepidarium), which warmed up to 42 degrees with an air humidity of 35-40%. It served to preheat the body, and only after that the bathhouse attendants entered the two halls in turn.

The first is a humid hall (caldarium), with an air heating temperature of up to 55 degrees at a humidity of 95–100%, the second is a dry one (laconium), with a warming temperature of 80 degrees and a relative humidity of 18%.

After the main halls, rest continued in special rooms (labaria), where massages and other hygiene procedures were carried out. In another hall (frigidarium) there were pools with different temperature regimes for heating water.

Ancient Roman baths consisted of the following rooms:

Features of using baths

Roman baths in ancient Rome were built near thermal waters, which filled artificial pools for washing procedures. This made it possible to save money on additional heating of water and to carry out timely replacement of fluid in the pools.

In the future, the Roman baths were supplemented with new functional premises for better leisure: sports halls, library rooms, rooms for massage and relaxation, halls for theatrical performances, public speaking and eating.

The main goal of such a transformation is to provide a wide range of entertainment and maximum comfort for vacationers for the whole day.

The grandiose building in Rome, which was the center of the social life of people, is the reason why the Romans needed a daily visit to the bath. Entertainment that was available to almost everyone in Rome, with the exception of prisoners and slaves.

Heating of premises in thermal baths

In ancient Rome, water from natural thermal springs was used to heat public baths. Water supply was carried out using a simple pipe water supply system. For this, ceramic pipes were laid along the wall structures of the building.

Roman baths were distinguished by high humidity, which in some functional rooms reached 100%. For the formation of steam, a furnace or a water boiler installed in the basement of the thermae was used.

The constant heating of water to the boiling point contributed to the formation of dense steam, which entered the premises through holes in the walls. To prevent excessive heating of the surface under the heating equipment, the floor was of double construction.

Advantages and disadvantages of Roman baths

Like other types of baths, Roman baths in the classical version have a number of advantages and some contraindications.

The beneficial effects of bathing procedures in the term, while observing the safety rules and the sequence of visiting each room, are as follows:

increased collagen production, improved skin tone and appearance,
reduction of puffiness, detoxification of the body,
improving the functioning of systems and individual organs,
increase immunity, improve mood and well-being.

Baths in Rome were especially popular due to their accessibility and positive effects on the human body. Thus, deep warming of the body contributed to the acceleration of metabolism, the removal of physical fatigue and nervous excitement.

Sauna Roman baths has one significant drawback - high cost, which makes it an exceptional element of luxury and wealth. For this reason, not everyone can afford to organize such a bath in a private household. The high price of thermae is due to the high cost of building and finishing materials, the complexity of the design, as well as the professionalism of contractors.

In addition, the Roman bath is contraindicated for people with problems with blood pressure, chronic diseases of the kidneys, lungs, intestines, cancer, and it is not recommended in the postoperative period.

Modern Roman baths

It is noteworthy that the ideas for recreating the traditional baths that were popular in Rome do not leave modern architects. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to implement such a project. This is due to the high cost of building a bath, which requires a large amount of natural materials and complex communication systems.

Replacing natural materials with artificial counterparts will lead to a violation of the unique technology for storing thermal energy indoors, which was developed in Rome.

Modern architecture has also undergone some changes, so it is difficult to recreate the main ancient elements of Roman thermae - columns, statues, arches and stucco.

However, the biggest difficulty is the presence of thermal springs with a suitable temperature regime of water, near which the construction of baths is possible. Projects that are implemented within the framework of modern technologies can only remotely be considered Roman baths.

The Roman bath is a temple for the unity of body and soul, the perfect combination of beauty, freedom and relaxation. A place that has become famous for its unique architecture, functionality and beneficial effects on the human body.

Ancient Roman baths thermae - device, features of use, effects on the body
Roman baths were built near natural thermal springs, the water temperature in which did not exceed 37 degrees. Thanks to this fact, they got their unique name - "terms".

Are you looking for a SPA hotel in Crimea? Then you are in SPA-hotel Aquamarine. Even in summer, sometimes you want to take a steam bath, relax in a jacuzzi, pamper yourself with foam peeling and massage, not to mention the autumn-winter period. Especially after an active day spent on excursions.

Bath complex Aquamarine includes: Russian bath, Finnish sauna, Roman term and Turkish hammam. Additionally, you can order steaming procedures with a broom in the Russian bath or soap peeling with a massage in Hamam. You need to order spa treatments in advance by calling +7 978 900-50-50 or at the reception desk of the bath and pool complex.

Russian bath

Russian bath - a bath of medium temperature and humidity. Humidity is 30-40%, temperature is about 50-70 degrees. You can stay in the steam room for 15-20 minutes in 3 sessions with breaks for cooling and resting the body for 5-10 minutes. In the Russian bath, it is customary to take a steam bath with Brooms, their leaves contain essential oils, which are released under the influence of temperature, having a beneficial effect on the body. Also, brooms are an excellent tool for massage. Order the procedure for soaring with brooms in advance from the Administrator of the complex.

Finnish sauna

Finnish sauna - bath with very low humidity (5-10%) and high temperature - 90-100 degrees. The optimal time for one call is 5-10 minutes, but after the call you need to rest for at least 40 minutes. The number of entries is also determined by how you feel, but should not exceed 2-3 times. The peculiarities of the Finnish sauna include the use of essential oils. They are diluted and sprinkled on stones. It is also customary to make face masks. Roman bath - bath with high humidity (about 100%) and medium temperature (45 - 60 degrees). In the steam room you need to be no more than 15 minutes in each of the 3 visits, and the time between visits should be no more than 30 minutes. Before entering the steam room for the first time, you need to do a light warm-up. It should be very smooth movements, such as slow bends, stretches and stretches of the main muscle groups.

Roman bath

The Roman bath is especially recommended for women. The skin is kept fresh, the cleansing of toxins and the acceleration of metabolism allows you to lose weight, and all together guarantees a good mood, lack of stress and harmony in the soul.

Turkish hamam

Turkish hammam is the softest bath with a low temperature - 40-45 degrees, but with a very high percentage of humidity - 80-100%. Here you can spend from a few hours to a whole day and it will not affect your health or well-being. The main condition is the absence of specific contraindications. When visiting the hammam, massage and beauty treatments are desirable. Order a “soapy” massage with peeling from the Administrator of the complex in advance.

Do you want to relieve nervous tension and relax? Then you in the jacuzzi. Warm (33-34 degrees) jets of water, mixed with air bubbles, relieve the body from various pains, massaging soft tissues, relieve fatigue. And herbal teas from the phyto-bar will be a pleasant addition to your rest.

All baths have a common and most important feature - visiting baths helps to improve well-being, improve health, relax and rest, which is achieved in the same way - with the help of temperature and water procedures.

Aquamarine is the best SPA hotel in Crimea
Are you looking for a spa hotel in Crimea? The resort complex "Aquamarine" is the best SPA-hotel in Sevastopol. For you, the baths of the peoples of the world, pools ..

Public baths have always been in demand among the people, many people remember this from Soviet times. But the history of such institutions began in the Ancient Roman Empire.

Layout features

The device of the Roman bath in the photo

All the halls had certain names, namely:

apodytherium,
tepidarium,
callidarium,
laconium,
frigidarium,
lavarium.

Unique architecture

Spacious space is one of the features

The benefits of structural features

Luxurious decoration

Modern terms

Modern terma in the photo

The benefits of modern buildings

Despite the external and internal changes of modern baths, in comparison with the ancient baths, they still have many positive qualities on the human body. This is due to the fact that the basis for the distribution of rooms according to temperature and humidity has remained to this day. Such a gradual transition to a hot room improves blood circulation and speeds up metabolism, resulting in increased immunity. People who frequent baths are not afraid of colds and other inflammatory infections. The steam room has a positive effect on the muscles, joints, endocrine and cardiovascular systems of the body, but for some it is still not desirable for visiting.

So, the Roman bath is strictly contraindicated:

pregnant women
cancer patients,
people with kidney problems
with stomach problems
with bowel problems
with respiratory problems
patients with acute forms of viral infections.

The latter refers to those who have diseases that go away with fever and impaired lung function, that is, with a strong cough.

Features of Roman baths (terms)
Roman baths were the face of the entire Empire and always shone with luxury and abundance. Their sanitary ware was made of precious metals or natural stones, the walls and floors were made of mosaics, and the pools and even sun loungers were made of natural marble.

In ancient Rome, baths were called terms and served as a prototype of Greek baths - they were similar to them, later Turkish baths also appeared thanks to Roman steam rooms. Even Caesar loved the majestic Roman baths, but, unfortunately, now only a vivid memory remains of them - the barbarians plundered and destroyed many majestic Roman buildings, including the imperial baths.

Washing traditions in ancient Rome

Real Roman baths in ancient times were used as an effective treatment for many diseases. Here the temperature was constantly maintained at 37 degrees - such a temperature balance was considered optimal for taking water procedures, as well as for treatment and recuperation. It was in the baths that the Roman soldiers rested and recuperated after heavy battles, after the battles in the baths healed physical wounds, as well as the mental trauma of the soldiers who had seen enough of numerous murders and survived with difficulty. Thermae are more than just a place to wash your body. At the same time, there were libraries with books in the building, where they were treated, rested, swam in the pools. The main advantage of any terma was a hot spring. Water in the springs has always been used for hygienic purposes, but when people realized the healing power of a real source, they began to use it actively for medicinal purposes.

For the Romans, one might say, the term was a sacred and cult place - here they spent almost all their leisure time, relaxing, relaxing in the circle of familiar people. But here they not only rested, but even worked. For example, men here could arrange meetings on political issues. In addition, the baths had separate halls for large-scale feasts. One can only imagine how much the terms meant in the life of the Romans, and one can also say with full confidence that the terms were the most beautiful buildings, and quite unlike any other baths of other peoples. The magnificent Roman architecture makes you think that the thermal baths were a real work of Roman art.

The main difference between the Roman baths and other baths is that after the Roman steam room there is no dehydration of the body. Imagine a Turkish hammam - there is a lot of humid air - there were also a lot of humid vapors in the baths, so the body felt comfortable there - hence the long pastime of the Romans in their favorite baths. A wet steam room is good because it saturates all organs with healing moisture, which is very useful. Of course, this type of steam room today is not for everyone: someone loves the high temperatures of the Finnish and Russian steam rooms, and someone is closer to the moist comfortable air of the hammam.

Today, baths also exist - you should not think that this type of steam rooms has outlived its time. Of course not: modern baths are rooms with large halls, each of which has its own name. For example, the locker room is called apoditerium - from it guests enter a cold room called frigidarium, then into a warm room - tepidarium, then into a hot room - calidarium. The hottest zone, called the sudatorium, is also provided for in Roman baths - here the temperature is kept around 85 degrees. After that, it is difficult to say that the Roman bath is suitable only for gentle people who love soft, moist steam. Roman baths have several rooms for absolutely every taste, and according to the rules - gradual heating, which consists in the transition from the coldest room to the hot one. After such a luxurious holiday, you can feel like a real Roman soldier, politician or even an emperor.

The spread of Roman baths

Roman steam rooms became world famous thanks to the conquest of new lands by the Romans. To this day, in the countries of Europe and Asia, there are buildings that everyone knows as Roman baths. In such steam baths, baths with water of various temperatures, large luxurious pools, steam rooms, large libraries, as well as halls for sports and gymnastic exercises were mandatory components. Each hall of a real thermae was distinguished by its chic decoration and impeccable fullness.

Archaeological scholars, through excavations, can also provide reasonable evidence that the Greek palestras originated from the Roman baths. In ancient Rome, the terms could occupy up to 11 hectares of land - these premises were a desirable place of rest and practically the only entertainment for the poor sections of Roman society. In Rome, there were about 150 baths for public use, which were used by all segments of the population. All the townspeople highly appreciated the rest in the terms, which is evidenced by the teachings of such men of ancient science as Hippocrates and Galen.

In Rome, there was a famous healer named Asclepiades, and he was even nicknamed the bathhouse attendant for his strong passion for bathing and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The healer advised all his patients to visit the baths frequently, and he himself did the same. Thermal baths for all people in Rome meant a lot, where they devoted time to their health and hygiene.

Under Julius Caesar, women were not allowed to go to the baths - men did not give consent to this. Later, separate steam rooms began to be built for women. The beginning of a new era was marked by the fact that men and women could go to the bathhouse together. At first, the rules were strict - it was impossible to publicly look at the opposite sex, however, over time, the baths became a popular venue for public orgies.

Baths gradually conquered all the new cities of Rome and the cities of the conquered countries by Roman warriors: baths began to appear even in small provinces. The thermal building has always been distinguished by its architectural concept and unbridled beauty: chic halls, an abundance of gilding on the walls, elegant washstands and jugs for washing - the whole process of washing the body was a special ritual, and each action was approached with extraordinary trepidation.

Roman baths began to collapse since the fall of the Roman Empire, and over time they became less popular - the peoples of different countries had their own baths, which were less colorful, but at the same time other places for recreation appeared. Therefore, the bath has become precisely the place for the adoption of water procedures.