Classical Studies 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Frigidarium, Caldarium, Pulpitum

• School: Western University
• Department: Classical Studies
• Course: Classical Studies 2300
• Professor: Kelly Olson

Document Summary

Caracalla: emperor that reigns in early 3rd c. Grandoise thermae, built south of the circus maximus. Built 212-216 ce, very quickly for such a monumental structure: built by slaves, built of concrete. An aqueduct was also built specifically to serve this new building. The baths are remarkably well-preserved and their arrangement is clear. The bathing block is surrounded by gardens bordered colonnaded walkways on three sides (edges of the gardens): reached by a monumental stairway (had to walk up stairs to get there). Even by today"s standards the size of the baths is impressive: the main building is 390 x. 740 feet. (two and a half football fields). It could accommodate several thousand bathers at once. The pool"s north wall had an elaborate decorative program, with storied niches, columns, and statues. Tepidarium (warm room, 82 x 170 feet). Had seven heated pools set in arched niches in the wall, lit by windows. Perhaps decorated with a gilded bronze ceiling.