The Science-y Reason
As we've learned before, the Romans were sort of neat-freaks, and advanced the fields of sanitation even though they were not aware of germs. Staying clean was important and was shown by the many baths that were erected all around the Roman Empire. Further, the gunk that was scraped off of the patrons by slaves (poor things) was used for medicinal purposes- so more bath equals more medicine equal less people.
(We'll just disregard the fact that the 'gunk' was made of oil, dirt, and whatever grime was on the floor of the baths that it landed on. And probably hair. Ew.)
(We'll just disregard the fact that the 'gunk' was made of oil, dirt, and whatever grime was on the floor of the baths that it landed on. And probably hair. Ew.)
I still can't believe they allowed something like that so close to their skin but whatevs.
Snobbery
Romans had always believed to be better than the 'barbarians' out there because of their cultural and technological superiority. Also, because they were cleaner. Yep. Being cleaner meant that the Romans had more time on their hands because their technology facilitated their lives and that they did not need to worry about being attacked because they were safe; therefore they could afford to worry about things such as the arts and hygiene. Clean and cultured, the Romans saw themselves as better and that was one social reason that the baths provided. It boosted their collective Roman ego.
Look at that face. If that face doesn't scream smug, I don't know what does.
Socializing
Most importantly, the baths were a time to socialize. Since the baths were usually built hugely, had excellent architecture and plumbing, it allowed for may rooms to be used by a large public and populations- and thus many people. It was also common for people to go to the baths and spend the whole day there, gossiping and taking advantage of the soothing powers that the alternate hot and cold waters gave.
Also, food stands would be around and in the bath area, providing a large variety of food and drinks. This would add to the buzz of chattering Romans, as they discussed the latest politician and how "he is so not doing anything for us, like, jeez."
Some foods they would have enjoyed (that sounds pretty tasty) would have been:
Also, food stands would be around and in the bath area, providing a large variety of food and drinks. This would add to the buzz of chattering Romans, as they discussed the latest politician and how "he is so not doing anything for us, like, jeez."
Some foods they would have enjoyed (that sounds pretty tasty) would have been:
- mulsum- the obligatory wine, but this was sweetened with warm honey and then cooled and served.
- all types of sausages- seasoned with peppers, cumin, and savory herbs, these were no doubt delicious and had a smokey flavor to them.
- boiled eggs and pine nut sauce- as mentioned in previous units they had the famous saying ab ovo usque ad malum and so eggs could not be skipped as they were a staple. And you never skip staples.
- seafood- if the Romans hadn't eaten seafood, then I would have been offended- all that sea that they owned and to let it go to waste? Tisk, tisk. Luckily, they ate much seafood and enjoyed it pickled, steamed, smoked, or just cooked simply.
- sweets- mentioned above ab ovo usque ad malum also mentions, at least the literal translation, from egg to fruit (or something close). This means that the desert was not left out, lest the meal be incomplete. Desserts of fruit, sweet cheeses, and pastry-like confections were probably sold, both to please the patrons and the whiny children begging for a sweet.
Romans gossiping and such. This is what probably happened in the baths as well- except there was a lot more nakedness and a lot less women.
Keeping Them In Line
As mentioned in the book, the Romans were pretty tolerant, and used many means to keep their people happy and from revolting- from gladiator arenas, to infrastructure works, and, of course, baths. Not only did it keep their people pleased, but as seen with Aqua Sulis, it allowed for their cultures to blend together.
Taking advantage of that, the Romans built baths on some sacred sites and combined their religion and not-so-subtly reminded the people who was in charge. Much like the great bridge that was built into Germania in only a couple of days, it showed the Romans' strength and superiority and also frightened the locals in place.
Taking advantage of that, the Romans built baths on some sacred sites and combined their religion and not-so-subtly reminded the people who was in charge. Much like the great bridge that was built into Germania in only a couple of days, it showed the Romans' strength and superiority and also frightened the locals in place.
Economically
The baths attracted all sorts of vendors who tried to profit from the patrons that were going to the baths. There would be an impromptu market that would spring up and offer trinkets to throe into sacred springs, hot food and snacks, and cold and hot drinks. The smiling merchants would give out shouts offering their products to entice their might-be shoppers with delicious smelling foods that would water the mouths. Of course, considering how the real meal of the day wasn't till supper, the vendors would usually just offer light snacks in comparison.
Services would also be offered, such as the gentleman who would pluck hair off the bodies of patrons since body hair was (and still is) considered unsightly.
The Roman officials knew that this would help the economy since the vendors would draw money from the crowd that would gather at the baths. Thus, they would build the baths with this thought in the back of their minds.
Services would also be offered, such as the gentleman who would pluck hair off the bodies of patrons since body hair was (and still is) considered unsightly.
The Roman officials knew that this would help the economy since the vendors would draw money from the crowd that would gather at the baths. Thus, they would build the baths with this thought in the back of their minds.