The Influence Of Ancient Roman Baths In Todays Spa

Going to the spa after a long, hectic day is a great way to unwind and relax in a soothing hot tub or spa

. When it comes to a relaxing soak in a hot tub, we can look back to the Romans when bathing was a common daily public social event. Bathing in Rome was a communal activity practiced by even those among the extremely wealthy. The upper class could afford bathing facilities in their own homes, but preferred socializing in public facilities. The larger facilities could hold up to 3,000 bathers and required a small fee.

Like modern spas of today, Roman baths were a place to meet, socialize, seal business deals, and courting took place. To grasp the popularity of public bathing in Rome experts have documented 952 baths of various sizes dating back to around 354 AD. Roman baths varied in size and amenities. Bath houses usually enclosed a courtyard with an open aired garden used for exercising. Some bath houses had swimming pools, gymnasiums, libraries, and reading rooms, booths selling food and perfume, and a stage for musical and theatrical productions.

The Greeks began a bathing routine that formed the foundation for todays modern spa. Public baths were located within gymnasiums complexes and were used for relaxation and socializing. Sacred pools located near natural springs were considered blessed by the gods to cure disease. The Spartans developed vapor baths, and the Serangeums built bathing chambers fed by hot springs. The Romans imitated many of the Greek bathing practices building larger and more complex bathing facilities.

Today, spas resemble some of the same designs as a Roman bath house and have gained in popularity. Gymnasiums, exercise areas, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs and swimming pools to name a few are found in most spas. People frequent the spa to not only exercise, relax in a hot tub or have a massage, but also to meet friends, socialize and even seal business deals. A popular way to end a busy day is to once again head for the spa and relax in a hot tub to socialize in todays public bath.

by: Chris Eide

POST COMMENT

Ease-off Your Work With Granite Worktops Shed Off Those Unwanted Pounds With Yoga Eshibobo Cape Town!eshibobo Cape Town! President Pratibha Patil presents 57th national film awards The Hidden Advantage of Having a Cherished Number Plate Your Inner Entrepreneur is Calling Caring For Your Timeless Crowning Glory Your Solution To Escape The Rat Race For Good How Not To Request A Jv Brainetics Complete Set Parts 1&2 on buydvdmart Understanding The Main Seven Chakras Getting Over A Broken Heart - The Mystery of How Your Heart Heals Barcelona City Breaks