
Roman traditions
The Romans built magnificent baths, known as thermae. Some of these baths were enormous, accommodating more than 1500 people at a time. They were a venue for social activities, relaxation and wellbeing – a natural part of day-to-day life. The baths comprised different rooms and pools at different temperatures. There were massage facilities, libraries, lounges, gardens and restaurants. The Romans liked to surround themselves with beauty: marble and mosaics, paintings and statues. This was a place where they could read, study and recover their strength after hard battles. Here they would meet, talk and discuss politics and other current affairs.