The influence of the ancient Roman baths in today’s spa

Going to the spa after a long and busy day is a great way to kick back and relax in a relaxing hot tub or spa. When it comes to a relaxing soak in a Jacuzzi, we can remember the Romans when bathing was a common daily public social event. Bathing in Rome was a communal activity practiced even by those among the extremely wealthy. The upper class could afford to bathe in their own homes, but preferred to socialize in public facilities. The largest facilities could hold up to 3,000 bathers and required a small fee.

Like today’s modern spas, the Roman baths were a place to meet, socialize, do business, and court. To understand the popularity of public baths in Rome, experts have documented 952 baths of various sizes dating to around AD 354. Roman baths varied in size and amenities. Bathhouses usually enclosed a courtyard with an outdoor garden used for exercise. Some bathhouses had swimming pools, gymnasiums, libraries and reading rooms, food and perfume stalls, and a stage for musical and theatrical productions.

The Greeks began a bath routine that formed the basis of today’s modern spa. Public baths were located within complex gymnasiums and were used for relaxation and socializing. Sacred pools located near natural springs were considered wound by the gods to cure diseases. The Spartans developed steam baths and the bathing chambers built by Serrangeum fed by hot springs. The Romans imitated many of the Greek bathing practices by building larger and more complex bathing facilities.

Today the spas resemble some of the same designs as a Roman bathhouse and have gained popularity. Gyms, exercise areas, steam rooms, saunas, Jacuzzis, and swimming pools, to name a few, are found in most spas. People frequent the spa not only to exercise, relax in a jacuzzi or get a massage, but also to meet friends, socialize and even do business. A popular way to end a busy day is to head once again to the spa and relax in a Jacuzzi to socialize in today’s public baths.