Description

Thermae were large bath complexes designed for public bathing and functioned like a community centre. The Romans would use their bathing time to conduct social activities, business, trade, or even settle lawsuits. As communal bathing was a major part of the Ancient Roman culture, it is no wonder that these public baths were very large compounds. The first thermae was built by Emperor Augustus, the 1st Emperor of the Roman Empire. Until the end of his reign, he commissioned the construction of the Baths of Agrippa, and 850 smaller baths, balneae.

In the early days, strict social propriety between a man and a woman required separate bathing areas for each gender in the thermae, and bathing was solely a daytime activity. However, towards the end of the Roman Empire, the lines of social propriety were obscured and men and women could bathe freely together day and night. Eventually, the thermae turned into a place that was profligate with promiscuity.

Being amongst fellow men equally defenseless with their vulnerabilities exposed, we find kindred spirits in our midst to share about life and loss with. Feelings that were once lodged too deeply to articulate find their sound as they are released with the spiraling steam of perfumed oils. “Baths, excellent wine and beautiful women corrupted us, but isn’t this just part of the life we live?” Isn’t life all about living spontaneously in the now? Roman Thermae 罗马浴场 was launched in 2014.