| The Baths of Caracalla are some of the
most opulent of the imperial baths constructed during the Roman Empire.
Together with the Baths of Diocletian, they represent the apogee of Roman
construction techniques, creating in the lofty groin-vaulted
frigidarium one of the most magnificent interiors in Western
architectural history. The Romans combined their own engineering advances
in the use of concrete with the application of the Greek orders and luxurious
materials to create daunting monolithic structures lined with colorful decorative
compositions.
Roman imperial baths provided the population of Rome not only with an opportunity to carry out daily hygiene and exercise in sumptuous surroundings equipped with excellent plumbing, but also with social and cultural resources. Altogether, the architectural expression and the lavish provisions of the baths communicated the power and largesse of the emperor. |
ROMAN BATH RESOURCES
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