The baths of Caracalla: How public baths reflected roman society and imperial power
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Deborah Chatr Aryamontri
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 9:59 AM
Description
Constructed around 216 A.D. during the rule of Emperor Caracalla, the Baths of Caracalla stood as one of the most expansive and architecturally advanced thermal bath complexes of Ancient Rome. While their primary function was to provide bathing facilities for the Romans, they offered far more than a place to bathe. These baths functioned as a center for community engagement, socialization, wellness, and political discourse. They reinforced Roman ideals of community and well-being while also reflecting the power and influence of the empire. This paper will explore how the Baths of Caracalla, through their architectural design and engineering, were essential to influencing Roman life and politics. The imperial thermae provided the Roman populace with access to hot and cold baths, gyms, gardens, libraries, and gathering spaces, encouraging socialization and expansion of Roman culture. For example, the natatio (outside pool), the frigidarium (cold water pools), and the palaestrae (exercise courtyard) served as key communal areas where citizens from different social classes could interact. Beyond providing opportunities for civic engagement, the baths showcased the extensive engineering abilities and architectural innovations of the Roman Empire. The Baths of Caracalla used a water supply system known as aqueducts, ensuring a constant influx of fresh water, along with an underground heating system. These technologies demonstrated Rome’s innovation in engineering and public infrastructure. Through examining contemporary texts, archival images, and other materials, this paper will showcase how the Baths of Caracalla reflected Roman values, imperial power and the impact of communal space.
The baths of Caracalla: How public baths reflected roman society and imperial power
Constructed around 216 A.D. during the rule of Emperor Caracalla, the Baths of Caracalla stood as one of the most expansive and architecturally advanced thermal bath complexes of Ancient Rome. While their primary function was to provide bathing facilities for the Romans, they offered far more than a place to bathe. These baths functioned as a center for community engagement, socialization, wellness, and political discourse. They reinforced Roman ideals of community and well-being while also reflecting the power and influence of the empire. This paper will explore how the Baths of Caracalla, through their architectural design and engineering, were essential to influencing Roman life and politics. The imperial thermae provided the Roman populace with access to hot and cold baths, gyms, gardens, libraries, and gathering spaces, encouraging socialization and expansion of Roman culture. For example, the natatio (outside pool), the frigidarium (cold water pools), and the palaestrae (exercise courtyard) served as key communal areas where citizens from different social classes could interact. Beyond providing opportunities for civic engagement, the baths showcased the extensive engineering abilities and architectural innovations of the Roman Empire. The Baths of Caracalla used a water supply system known as aqueducts, ensuring a constant influx of fresh water, along with an underground heating system. These technologies demonstrated Rome’s innovation in engineering and public infrastructure. Through examining contemporary texts, archival images, and other materials, this paper will showcase how the Baths of Caracalla reflected Roman values, imperial power and the impact of communal space.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.