How was the Baths of Caracalla important to the history of Rome?
The Baths of Caracalla were the largest thermae in the world when completed in 217AD. The were functional for over 300 years. Baths of CaracallaThe red-brick ruins of the Baths of Caracalla are situated southeast of ancient Rome’s center. This huge 27 acre complex (11 hectares) housed bathing facilities with seats for more than 1600 people. At a time when Rome’s crowded tenements had few sanitary facilities, the more than 50 baths in Imperial Rome played an important part in the lives of the Roman citizens. The ritual of bathing was a long process, starting with a hot bath in the calidarium. Next up was the lukewarm tepidarium, followed by the cold frigidarium. Then followed a Mosaic decorationswim in the natatio, an open air swimming pool. Leisure Center The complex was actually a multifunctional leisure center and also housed gymnasiums, libraries, gardens, art galleries, restaurants and even brothels. The Baths of Caracalla were known for its rich interior which featured marble seat
