Romans Baths Around Europe
Posted: Monday, October 19, 2009
by Mark Bartley
The Roman Civilisation has a lot to answer for, with brutal treatment of slaves and merciless invas
The Romans also set new standards in terms of accommodation, diet, clothing and personal hygiene. There systems of food cultivation and transport logistics were radical, allowing huge cities to benefit from the supply fresh vegetables, although the farming methods required for the provision of ample supplies of fresh meat and fish had yet to be developed.
Fresh water supplies were also a legacy of Roman intelligence and ambition. They developed complex waterways, including canals and aqueducts that were capable of transporting large volumes of fresh water into the areas where they were needed. This was a significant change over societies of the past that had been forced to set up home wherever water supplies were available, namely near springs and rivers. Roman methods allowed towns to be built in entirely new locations.
The Roman baths were also unique feature of locations where the upper classes of Roman civilisation chose to live. The great Roman Baths in the city of Bath, England were constructed within 20 years of the Romans invading Britain, indicating just how important these facilities were to the invaders. It is said that the site of the hot springs in Bath had already led to the development of some kind of bathing facility, originally constructed by the Celts, but the Romans quickly improved things with their own methods.
The way the Romans built their homes, roads and the baths were totally new to Britain. They would drive oak piles into the muddy ground for stability and use lead to line tanks and prevent leaks. The buildings were slowly expanded and improved over the next 300 years and remained in use for around 400 years until the Romans left the country in the fifth century. Most of the major cities occupied by the Romans were provided with a significant bathing complex, which tended to form the heart of the society. Not only were they used for bathing, but also eating, exercising, reading, shopping and socialising. Also they were not just the preserve of the wealthier, more important members of society. Everyone seemed to be welcome including slaves, servants and the very poor.
The facilities like the ones in Bath, England and those in Baile Herculane, Romania used the natural hot springs of the location, but most used their own systems to heat the water required by the baths.
A Roman Bath that has received much recent attention is one on the island of Rhodes. Situated near the town of Kallithea, just seven miles from Rhodes Town, the Thermes of Kallithea is a totally refurbished complex that's sits on the site of six springs, that originally caused the Romans to build one of their typical bathing centres there. Once the Romans left the island, the equally civilised Greeks continued to use and improve the baths, but after a revival in the period between the two World Wars, the baths fell into some disrepair. However they have now been completely renovated and are a very stylish and luxurious facility that attracts many visitors. The original Roman styling has been preserved and the central Rotunda forms a beautiful focal point that has even been used by filmmakers in the past. The new entrance area and cool shaded areas are perfect places to relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery in this part of the island.
For travellers taking flights to Rhodes during Autumn there are many wonderful places to explore. A Greek island during the quieter months of Autumn can be a very relaxing place and Mark has some great tips on how to enjoy your stay.
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