Ancient Roman thermal baths - structure, features of use, effects on the body. Roman terma - ancient bath What is terma in ancient Rome
We usually steam in Russian or Finnish style, with brooms, with hot steam, while achieving increased blood circulation, which in itself is very beneficial for the whole body. But as take a proper steam bath in a Roman bath and how is it useful?
But with all due respect to Russian and Finnish baths, A Roman bath is much more effective, and especially for the female body.
In addition, unlike the Russian and Finnish baths, Roman steam room has no contraindications- it can be taken even by hypertensive patients.
And the procedures included in the Roman bath ritual seem to be specially invented for beauty - SPA salons readily use them.
Cleansing occurs on all three levels: physical, mental and energetic, which is why after a Roman bath you feel a huge surge of energy, your skin feels like polished silk, and your mood is usually such that you want to sing.
ROMAN BATH - HOW TO STEAM CORRECTLY:
Physical exercise.
Before entering the steam room for the first time, you need to do a light warm-up. These should be very smooth movements, such as slow bending, stretching and stretching of the main muscle groups.
Gentle warmth.
The temperature in the steam room should be 70-80°С- it is fundamentally.
Only at this temperature is it possible to cleanse the body from the inside, since this thermal regime creates optimal conditions that ensure the opening of the pores, and they release everything that the body does not need.
In such a steam room, the skin literally oozes, which does not always (and not for everyone) happen in the scorching air of a sauna.
Instead of soap - oil.
The reason for such a replacement is that the oil, due to its special molecular structure, has a high ability to penetrate deeply into the skin.
This works like a charter transport: having delivered beneficial amino acids inside the skin, the oil is completely released, taking with it all the debris accumulated in the sebum.
As a result of this work, the pores are cleaned to a depth that not even all acids can achieve.
The most recognized pore cleansers are almond, olive and castor oils. Tibetan medicine recommends sesame oil.
The oil is rubbed into the steamed skin.
Instead of a washcloth, use a brush.
Buy a natural hair brush.
Of course, it will have to be changed more often, but these brushes do an excellent job of deep cleaning.
Massage your entire body with the brush.
No more than three passes.
This restriction is due to the risk of dehydration.
Open pores do not care whether they release a contaminated liquid or a clean one, and therefore a strict norm must be observed.
To solve the problem of deep cleaning, three visits to the steam room are absolutely enough.
No more than 15 minutes.
Time in the steam room in each pass should not exceed 15 minutes, and time between visits amounts to no more than 30 minutes.
Compliance with this rule will ensure optimal cleansing of the skin, since the pores, under the influence of different temperatures, make pulsating movements: they either open or contract - and thereby push out the maximum amount of impurities.
The Roman ritual is very soft and delicate, and there are no restrictions on its frequency.
Perform it at least daily and you will get a renewed body.
How is this, you ask?
- Should we talk about silky skin?
- What about the morning swelling that will begin to leave you after the first bath?
- What about the feeling of lightness?
- Finally, a great mood - name someone who will refuse it.
The Roman bath cleanses not only the physical body - it is a method of thorough cleansing. That’s why the soul sings after a bath!
Roman bath - how to steam properly
How to take a steam bath in a Roman bath and how is it useful? We usually steam in Russian or Finnish style, with brooms, with hot steam, while achieving increased blood circulation, which in itself is very beneficial for the whole body.
The very first rooms that were used for mass ablution and rest appeared in Ancient Rome.
Roman baths were built near natural thermal springs, the water temperature of which did not exceed 37 degrees. Thanks to this fact, they received their unique name - “therms”. The buildings amazed with the scale and originality of their architectural forms, the convenience and safety of bathing procedures.
Functional rooms of the Roman baths
What are the classic Roman baths? These are many functional rooms, each of which has its own temperature and humidity levels.
The process of visiting a bathhouse among the Romans was as follows: entering the dressing room (apodyterium) with cooled air, visitors were prepared to undergo basic procedures.
Then we moved into a room (tepidarium), which was heated to 42 degrees with an air humidity of 35–40%. It served to preheat the body, and only after that the bathhouse attendants entered the two halls one by one.
The first is a wet room (caldarium), with an air heating temperature of up to 55 degrees with a humidity of 95–100%, the second is a dry room (laconium), with a heating temperature of 80 degrees and a relative humidity of 18%.
After the main halls, rest continued in special rooms (lavaria), where massages and other hygienic procedures were carried out. In another room (frigidarium) there were pools with different temperature conditions for heating water.
Ancient Roman baths consisted of the following rooms:
Features of using baths
Roman baths in Ancient Rome were built near thermal waters, which filled artificial pools for ablution procedures. This made it possible to save money on additional water heating and timely replacement of fluid in pools.
Subsequently, the Roman baths were supplemented with new functional premises for higher quality leisure time: gyms, library rooms, rooms for massage and relaxation, rooms for theatrical performances, oratory performances and eating.
The main goal of such a transformation is to provide a wide range of entertainment and maximum comfort for vacationers throughout the day.
The grandiose building in Rome, which was the center of people's social life, is the reason why the Romans needed a daily visit to the baths. Entertainment that was available to almost everyone in Rome, with the exception of prisoners and slaves.
Heating of rooms in thermal baths
To heat public baths, water from natural thermal springs was used in Ancient Rome. Water was supplied using a simple piped water supply system. For this purpose, ceramic pipes were laid along the wall structures of the building.
Roman baths were characterized by high humidity, which in some functional rooms reached 100%. To generate steam, a stove or water boiler installed in the basement of the bath was used.
Constant heating of water to boiling point contributed to the formation of thick steam, which entered the premises through holes in the walls. To prevent excessive heating of the surface under the heating equipment, the floor had a double structure.
Advantages and disadvantages of Roman baths
Like other types of baths, Roman baths in the classic version have a number of advantages and some contraindications.
The beneficial effects of bathing procedures in the thermal baths, subject to safety rules and the sequence of visiting each room, are as follows:
- increased collagen production, improved skin tone and appearance,
- reduction of swelling, detoxification of the body,
- improving the functioning of systems and individual organs,
- increasing immunity, improving mood and well-being.
Thermal baths in Rome were especially popular due to their accessibility and positive effects on the human body. Thus, deep warming of the body helped speed up metabolism, relieve physical fatigue and nervous excitement.
The Roman baths sauna has one significant drawback - its high cost, which makes it an exceptional element of luxury and wealth. For this reason, not everyone can afford to organize such a bathhouse in a private household. The high price of the thermal bath is due to the high cost of construction and finishing materials, the complexity of the design, as well as the professionalism of the contractors.
In addition, the Roman bath is contraindicated for people with problems with blood pressure, chronic diseases of the kidneys, lungs, intestines, cancer, and it is not recommended in the postoperative period.
Modern Roman baths
It is noteworthy that ideas for recreating traditional baths, which were popular in Rome, do not leave modern architects. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to implement such a project. This is due to the high cost of building a bathhouse, which requires a large amount of natural materials and complex communication systems.
Replacing natural materials with artificial analogues will lead to a violation of the unique technology for storing thermal energy indoors, which was developed in Rome.
Modern architecture has also undergone some changes, so it is difficult to recreate the main antique elements of Roman steam rooms - columns, statues, arches and stucco moldings.
However, the greatest difficulty is the presence of thermal springs with suitable water temperatures, near which it is possible to build baths. Projects that are implemented within the framework of modern technologies can only remotely be considered Roman baths.
The Roman bath is a temple for the unity of soul and body, the ideal combination of beauty, freedom and relaxation. A place that has become famous due to its unique architecture, functionality and beneficial effects on the human body.
Ancient Roman thermal baths - design, features of use, effects on the body
Roman baths were built near natural thermal springs, the water temperature of which did not exceed 37 degrees. Thanks to this fact, they received their unique name - “therms”.
Are you looking for a SPA hotel in Crimea? Then you should come to the Aquamarine SPA Hotel. Even in summer, sometimes you want to take a steam bath, relax in a jacuzzi, pamper yourself with foam peeling and massage, not to mention the autumn-winter period. Especially after an active day spent on excursions.
The Aquamarine bath complex includes: a Russian bath, a Finnish sauna, a Roman bath and a Turkish hammam. Additionally, you can order broom steaming treatments in the Russian Bath or soap peeling with massage in the Hammam. Spa treatments must be ordered in advance by calling +7 978 900-50-50 or from the Administrator at the reception desk of the bathhouse and pool complex.
Russian bath
Russian bathhouse is a bathhouse of medium temperature and humidity. Humidity is 30-40%, temperature is approximately 50-70 degrees. You can stay in the steam room for 15-20 minutes in 3 sessions with breaks for cooling and resting the body for 5-10 minutes. In the Russian bathhouse, it is customary to steam with brooms; their leaves contain essential oils, which are released under the influence of temperature, having a beneficial effect on the body. Brooms are also an excellent tool for massage. Please order the procedure for steaming with brooms in advance from the Complex Administrator.
Finnish sauna
Finnish sauna is a bath with very low humidity (5-10%) and high temperature - 90-100 degrees. The optimal time for one entry is 5-10 minutes, but you need to rest for at least 40 minutes after entry. The number of visits is also determined by how you feel, but should not exceed 2-3 times. Features of the Finnish sauna include the use of essential oils. They are diluted and sprayed onto the stones. It is also common to make face masks. Roman bath is a bath with high humidity (about 100%) and average temperature (45 - 60 degrees). You should stay in the steam room for no more than 15 minutes in each of the 3 sessions, and the time between sessions should be no more than 30 minutes. Before entering the steam room for the first time, you need to do a light warm-up. These should be very smooth movements, such as slow bending, stretching and stretching of the main muscle groups.
Roman bath
The Roman bath is especially recommended for women. The skin is kept in a fresh state, cleansing of toxins and accelerating metabolism allows you to lose excess weight, and all together guarantees a good mood, lack of stress and harmony in the soul.
Turkish hammam
Turkish hammam is the softest bath with a low temperature - 40-45 degrees, but with a very high percentage of humidity - 80-100%. You can spend from several hours to the whole day here and it will not affect your health or well-being. The main condition is the absence of specific contraindications. When visiting the hammam, massage and cosmetic treatments are desirable. Order a “soapy” massage with peeling from the Administrator of the complex in advance.
Do you want to relieve nervous tension and relax? Then you should go to the jacuzzi. Warm (33-34 degrees) jets of water mixed with air bubbles relieve the body of various pains, massaging soft tissues, and relieve fatigue. And herbal teas from the herbal bar will be a pleasant addition to your relaxation.
All baths have a common and most important feature - visiting the baths helps improve well-being, health, relaxation and rest, which is achieved in the same way - with the help of temperature and water procedures.
Aquamarine is the best SPA hotel in Crimea
Are you looking for a SPA hotel in Crimea? Resort complex "Aquamarine" is the best SPA hotel in Sevastopol. For you, baths of the peoples of the world, swimming pools...
Public baths have always been in demand among the people; many remember this from Soviet times. But the history of such establishments began in the Ancient Roman Empire.
The ancient Roman baths instantly became a cultural place for the entire people. They were large-scale recreation centers of mass use throughout history, and their architecture and design amazed with its luxury and originality.
Layout features
Construction of a Roman bath in the photo
A distinctive feature of such vacation spots from modern ones is the large number of rooms, each of them had a certain humidity and temperature inside. Visitors to the bathhouse in Rome first found themselves in a locker room with cool air, then there was a room with a warmer atmosphere, about 40 degrees, and a humidity of no more than 40%.
Then the Roman bath moved into a hot room (up to 50 degrees) with humidity up to 100% and a room with heating up to eighty degrees and humidity no more than 20% - the so-called dry steam room. After the hot halls there were cool rooms for relaxation, massage and other hygiene procedures, as well as places with two pools of different water temperatures.
All rooms had specific names, namely:
- apodytherium,
- tepidarium,
- callidarium,
- laconium,
- frigidarium,
- Lavarium.
Baths in Rome at that time were often called thermae, and not by chance. The fact is that they used water exclusively from thermal reservoirs. This arrangement of the bathhouse in Ancient Rome made it possible to use already warm liquid, therefore, there was no need to waste time and money on heating it. Water from the springs was collected into the pools twice a day and used for all other needs.
Almost immediately after its foundation, the Roman thermal baths began to be replenished with new premises for more varied leisure activities. Here you could also visit a reading area, a special hall for sports activities, watch a theater performance and have lunch. All this was done so that, upon arriving at a vacation spot, the visitor could calmly spend the whole day here, while receiving everything he needed.
Unique architecture
Spacious space is one of the features
Since the activity of the thermal baths was based on the supply of already hot liquid from thermal springs, it was mainly used to heat rooms. Thus, water from the springs at a temperature of about 40 degrees passed through pipes built into and under the walls, giving off part of its heat to the rooms. A building with a high temperature required more heating, so under their floors in the basement floors there were furnaces with large containers filled with water, which boiled all the time and heated the rooms with the resulting steam. This steam entered the hall through special air ducts in the walls of the steam rooms. To make it possible to move on the floor above the boilers without burning your feet, the rest areas were equipped with double floors.
Benefits of the structure
Thanks to the variety of entertainment offered to the people in the thermal baths, everyone could fully relax, unwind and have a good time here, but this is not the main benefit. The location of all the rooms in the Roman steam room was not accidental: it was the smooth transition from low to high temperatures, and vice versa, that contributed to a more comfortable state of the whole body in the bath. That is, by first coming to a cool room, then to a warmer one, and only then to the steam room, the possibility of overexertion for the body is eliminated. A person will no longer feel a constant dry mouth and the need to drink as soon as possible. The same effect is achieved when moving from a steam room to a warm pool, and only then to a cold one.
Luxurious decoration
The Roman bath was the “calling card” of the entire Empire; it invariably shone with beauty and luxury. Its plumbing was made of precious metals or natural stones, the walls and floors were tiled, the pools and sun loungers were made of natural marble. Despite all this luxury, the bathhouse in Ancient Rome was accessible to all segments of the population. The cost of entering the steam room was low, so both poor people and wealthy residents of the city could safely afford to come here. It was the thermal bath that became a place where the boundaries between segments of the population were erased, because without clothes and jewelry we are all equal.
Modern baths
Modern thermal bath in the photo
Of course, the former grandeur and luxury of the baths in Rome is not available to us in modern times. First of all, this is due to expensive construction, because now, using natural materials and complex communications, it is impossible to charge a small fee for a visit. Moreover, the thermal bath is now just a place for water treatments; there is no need to build a library or restaurant in it; it is enough to divide it into several rooms with an autonomous climate in each.
Modern design has also undergone changes, but all arches, antique statues and columns remain indispensable attributes of ancient steam rooms. The floor is now laid with imitation stone, and instead of marble, stylized tiles are used, but even such savings can only be achieved by private properties and cannot be public.
The benefits of modern buildings
Despite the external and internal changes in modern baths, compared to ancient baths, they still have many positive qualities on the human body. This is due to the fact that the basis for the distribution of rooms according to temperature and humidity conditions has remained to this day. This gradual transition to a hot room improves blood circulation and speeds up metabolism, resulting in increased immunity. People who frequently visit baths are not afraid of colds and other inflammatory infections. The steam room has a beneficial effect on the muscles, joints, endocrine and cardiovascular systems of the body, but some people still do not want to visit it.
So, the Roman bath is strictly contraindicated:
- pregnant women,
- cancer patients,
- people with kidney problems,
- with stomach problems,
- with intestinal problems,
- with respiratory problems,
- patients with acute forms of viral infections.
The latter applies to those whose illnesses occur with fever and impaired lung function, that is, with a severe cough.
Features of Roman baths (therms)
Roman baths were the face of the entire Empire and always shone with luxury and abundance. Their plumbing was made of precious metals or natural stones, the walls and floors were made of mosaics, and the pools and even sun loungers were made of natural marble.
Roman Baths is one of the most picturesque places in Slovenia!
Historically, the Roman Baths were accessible only to representatives of the upper classes. Currently, the Roman Baths are open to everyone!
The modern thermal resort of Roman Terme is a combination of a convenient location, pristine nature and basic physiotherapeutic techniques.
Infrastructure of the Roman Baths in Slovenia includes complex of three interconnected hotels, the total area of which is more than 30,000 m2. TO
it offers modern medical treatment and health center, closed and open thermal pools, therapeutic pool, sauna world, fitness center and wellness center.
Near with the Roman Terme resort there is a huge, unique by its beauty natural Park with exotic trees creating a special microclimate. The healing air of coniferous forests has a healing effect on a number of diseases and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. Thereby Roman Baths recognized as a climatic eco-resort.
The Roman Baths in Slovenia are a means of relieving stress and fatigue.
Roman Terme has good transport links. Guests can easily and quickly travel independently throughout Slovenia for absolutely ridiculous money. By train you can travel to such interesting Slovenian cities as Celje, Maribor, Ljubljana, Laško and many others. The maximum time spent on the trip is no more than 1.3 hours.
For those wishing to take a guided walk, the Roman Terme resort offers interesting routes and a wide range of excursion programs.
| ROMAN THERMES: INDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT AT THE RESORT |
ROMAN THERMES: CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT |
||
|
- all diseases are in the acute stage; -conditions after pulmonary embolism; - all cardiovascular diseases in the stage of decompensation; - hypertension with the impossibility of compensation with medications; - conditions after a heart attack (statute of limitations is 2 years); - acute cerebrovascular accidents; - decompensated diabetes mellitus; - malignant neoplasms (during or after treatment) with clinical manifestations of disease development; - urinary and stool incontinence; - alcoholism; drug addiction; acute mental disorders; - infectious and other contagious diseases; - non-healing foci of skin diseases, open wounds; - pregnancy; - bronchial asthma with frequent attacks; - epilepsy; - hyperthyroidism; - acute diseases of the hematopoietic organs (anemia, including various malignant lesions); - clients who require constant special care (in the absence of a person accompanying them); - allergy to thermal water; - diseases of the genitourinary system in the acute stage. |
| SIMILAR RESORTS
|
| ROMAN THERMES - LIST OF MEDICAL PROCEDURES | |
| Initial examination by a doctor Doctor's check-up ECG Measuring blood sugar levels Measuring triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood Inhalations with thermal water Group gymnastics in the therapeutic pool Individual physiotherapy in the therapeutic pool Underwater shower-massage in the Gabbard bath bubble bath Laser biostimulation Cryo massage Back massage by zones Full back massage Limb massage Therapeutic back and leg massage Lymphatic drainage massage Group and individual exercise therapy Treadmill Treadmill Physiotherapy using the BOBAT method |
Hardware kinesitherapy of the knee joint "Arthromot" Hardware kinesitherapy for shoulder/elbow joints “Arthromot” Electrophoresis Electrophoresis with medications Galvanic currents Electrical stimulation Interference currents Bioptron Diadinator TENStherapy for pain relief Magnetotherapy Ultrasound therapy Sonophoresis Infrared beam Traction of the cervical spine using the Glisson method Lumbar spine traction using the Pearl method Paraffin therapy Fangotherapy (mud) Parafango |
ROMAN TERME - VALETUD MEDICAL CENTER
Modernly equipped medical center with an area of about 800 m2.
All basic medical procedures are performed here.
On staff at the center highly qualified doctors and nursing staff.
After the initial examination by the doctor, a map of treatment procedures will be drawn up for the entire period of stay. It can be obtained at the reception of the medical center.
For procedures You must arrive approximately 15 minutes before start time. If you are late, the procedure will not be released. Next, you can check with the reception of the medical center about the possibility of rescheduling the missed procedure.
If necessary, it is possible to purchase additional procedures in addition to those included in the standard treatment package.
Center opening hours:
Monday - Friday from 08.00 to 15.00
Saturday from 08.00 to 15.00
Sunday is a day off
ROMAN THERME - WELLNESS CENTER AMALIA
Offers guests of the Roman Baths to take advantage of both newfangled and classic WELLNESS and SPA programs.
All programs take place in four historical marble Roman fonts, and six modern fonts for two.
Wellness Center Amalia offers its visitors signature massages and unique relaxing wellness treatments.
You can purchase the Center's programs in advance or directly on site after arrival.
Center opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday from 9.00 to 21.00
Friday – Saturday and holidays from 9.00 to 22.00
ROMAN THERME - WORLD OF SAUNA VARINIA
Offers to its visitors a relaxing oasis of silence and relaxation, as well as a wide selection of thematic programs with wraps and peeling.
Finnish, Turkish, Roman, and infrared saunas await their guests every day.
Infrastructure of Sauna World VARINIA includes an indoor pool with cold water, a jacuzzi, a relaxation area, and an external terrace.
Sauna opening hours:
Winter time: daily from 11.00 to 22.00
Summer time: Monday – Friday from 15.00 to 21.00
Saturday – Sunday and holidays from 11.00 to 22.00
ROMAN THERMS COMPOSITION OF THERMAL WATER OF THE RESORT
The thermal water of the resort is rightfully considered one of the best in its composition in the world. It has not only medicinal properties, but also a general strengthening effect.
The Roman Baths are located along a fault line in the earth's crust, which runs at a depth of about 1,000 meters. Thermal water comes from the depths of the earth with a temperature of 39 °C on the surface and a capacity of 22.3 liters per second. The water from the Amalia spring has a temperature of 38.4 °C, and the water from the Roman spring has a temperature of 36.3 °C.
Chemical elements and some substances that make up thermal water:
| Calcium (Ca) | 53 mg/l | Molybdenum (Mo) | 6.5 ng/l |
| Potassium (K) | 1.8 mg/l | Copper (Cu) | 2.6 ng/l |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 26 mg/l | Iodine (J) | 0.05 mg/l |
| Sodium (Na) | 3.7 mg/l | Silicon (Si) | 14.8 mg/l |
| Strontium (Sr) | 92 ng/l | Selenium (Se) | 3 ng/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01 mg/l | Chromium (Cr) | 0.5 ng/l |
| Aluminum (Al) | 20 µg/l | Boron (B) | 80 ng/l |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 0.2 ng/l | Sulfur (S) | 0.01 mg/l |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.4 µg/l | Hydrocarbonate (HCO3) | 258 mg/l |
| Cobalt (Co) | 1 ng/l | Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 13.3 mg/l |
Treatment of children is possible starting from 6 years of age
Procedures for children are prescribed only after consultation and examination by a doctor at the treatment center of the Roman Terme resort.
Doctor's examinations and medical procedures for children are paid in accordance with the current price list of the medical center's services. Payment is made directly at the resort reception.
The Roman baths, known throughout the world since ancient times, did not appear in Rome. The culture of ablutions in public places appeared in Ancient Greece, which in turn was borrowed from the Egyptians. Rome built public baths, which could be used by both rich citizens and ordinary residents.
Baths of the Caracals of Ancient Rome
The rumor about the Greek baths reached the Emperor of Rome Agrippa, who erected the first baths using a thermal spring, and gave the highest permission to the Romans to bathe in it. The popularity of the thermal baths grew every day; the use of hot springs made it possible to maintain the water temperature at 37°-40° in the pools and change the water several times a day.
The Baths of Diocletian became especially famous. The grandiose structure, capable of accommodating over 3 thousand people at a time, was surrounded by the greenery of beautiful gardens, the singing of birds of paradise, and pleased visitors with the play of streams of numerous fountains, the silence of pavilions, and libraries. In the meeting halls, rhetoricians practiced their art, orators performed, and there was a place for sports and theater.
A person who entered the baths spent the whole day there. Of course, so much pleasure for a nominal fee, men paid 0.5 asses, women 1 asses. 1 ass was the denomination of all monetary units of Ancient Rome. For example, 1 silver denarius was equal to 10 asses, a gold denarius was equal to 250 asses. For 1 ace you could buy a plate of soup, for two asses you could buy a loaf of bread.
The baths were a pleasure quite accessible to all residents of Rome, with the exception of slaves, of course.
Construction of a Roman bath
Excavations of a Roman bath
The structure of the Roman bath is a skillful, intricate system of rooms, each of which performed a special function. Just as the theater begins with a coat rack, the Roman bath begins with a dressing room.
Apoditherium is a cool room, with a temperature of 20-24°C, upon entering which a person not only takes off his clothes. Here he leaves worries, sorrows and failures in anticipation of pleasures.
Next he was greeted by a warm room with a temperature of 35-40°C, called a tepidarium. Here, in conditions of moderate humidity of about 40%, a person warmed up, relaxed, and prepared for more radical procedures and pleasures.
It should be recognized that the principle of gradualism used in the Roman bath has a beneficial effect on the body, promotes its cleansing and activation of regeneration processes.
The third room into which the visitor found himself was called the callidarium. Here the temperature was maintained at 45°-59°C, under conditions of 100% humidity the body was cleansed, sweating worked, and the person washed himself, preparing to enter the steam room.
Laconium, the name of the ancient Roman steam room, with a temperature of 80°C, a humidity of 12-15%, every lover of strong, dry sauna steam knows what sensations the laconium gave its visitors.
A person experienced special pleasure at the moment when, after the steam room, he plunged into the coolness of the pool. The Romans had two swimming pools, they were located in a room called the frigidarium. Pampered bodies first fell into warm water, and only then fell into the contrast of cold water.
Then the citizens of Rome went to the lavarium, a room intended for cosmetic and hygienic activities and massage. Refreshed and rejuvenated citizens remained in the thermal baths all day; the leisure facilities offered here in libraries, dining rooms, and gyms were so good that they still evoke the poorly concealed envy of our contemporaries.
Mechanism of operation
Roman baths were built near thermal springs, from which hot water was taken, filled pools, and was used to heat rooms. Water heated by nature to 37°-40°C was supplied through pipes in the walls, heating the rooms. There was a boiler in the basement; water was boiling in it; steam entered the tepidarium and callidarium through holes in the walls, creating conditions of high humidity. The stove heated the laconium steam room, creating heat. Furnaces located in adjacent rooms heated the marble floors, walls and benches. A double floor device was used so that one could walk on it without getting burned.
Hypocaust technology made it possible to set and maintain the required temperature and humidity in the premises. The principle of central heating was used, from the heating of water, stones and air in the basement, heat and steam were supplied through channels in the walls, and the outer side of the walls did not allow steam and heat to pass through, all of this entered the premises.
I was amazed by the precise calculation of temperatures; the rooms received the necessary heat after circulation in the walls. The system worked like a clock, partly powered by nature itself, partly by the efforts of people who worked in the thermal baths.
The engineering thought of the ancients worked creatively, starting with bathing in open thermal springs, the Romans created the art of the bath, building additional rooms, ennobling and decorating them with frescoes, mosaics, and sculpture. The baths were expanded with rooms to create ideal conditions for procedures beneficial to the human body, without shock contrasts, temperature changes, excluding dehydration and fatigue after a cycle.
Roman baths today
Today there are attempts to create Roman baths, but obviously not compliance with the technology of procedures, but imitation of them. Any of the modern thermal baths consists of three rooms, a locker room, a hammam, a room with steam and a Finnish sauna, actually a steam room, you will agree that this is a little different. Another important circumstance is also missing. Free citizens of Rome had the opportunity to carry on a conversation during the procedures, walking from one end of, for example, a swimming pool to the other.
To recreate the thermal baths today, you will need a large plot of land, natural stone, marble, jadeite, natural stones, replacing them with stones of artificial origin means disrupting the heat exchange technology invented by the ancients, but most importantly the thermal source.
Modern technologies make it possible to do without boilers under the floor of the bathhouse and channels hollowed out in the walls, but how, without water! A huge amount of water is required, besides, tap water is not suitable, you need thermal, mineralized water.
The cost of a visit for one person, no matter women or men, is from 1000 rubles per hour. Anyone who has visited such establishments knows how the clock hand spoils the mood, striving to complete a procedure that a priori cannot be short. Those who dare not build Roman baths should be prepared for sluggish demand and low profitability.
Is it possible to build a home thermal bath?
It will not be possible to make an exact copy of a Roman bath, but it is possible to recreate the basic principle of the procedure, which has special health and philosophical value.
The building, consisting of at least 4 rooms, is built of brick, with a solid foundation at least 1 m deep. You should choose a place for a home miracle somewhere in the depths of the estate, in the garden. Water supply or drilling of a well is required. Laying the main walls in 2 bricks, partitions in 1.5.
We are building a building consisting of a locker room, a room with steam, 100% humidity, a steam room with dry steam, and a swimming pool. If it is not possible, the pool can be replaced with two ofuro barrels with warm and cold water. The walls with hydro- and vapor barrier are sheathed with clapboards, lined with natural torn stone, the floors in all rooms except the steam room are tiled, we build heated trestle beds in the first room with steam. Ideally, you need marble, but you can try porcelain tiles.
For heating you need a powerful three-circuit boiler, a steam generator for wet steam and dry steam.
The decor of the premises is not functional; those with free funds can show creativity and decorate in an antique style. It is important to create the correct lighting, dimmed, similar to the reflections of the sun or torches, lights, to organize the heating of trestle beds, to maintain the desired temperature of the premises and water in pools and barrels. Expensive, but the game is worth the candle. The principle of the Roman bath is very beneficial to human health.
Benefits of the Roman Bath
Low water temperature with air humidity of 80-100% promotes gradual relaxation of the body, activation of metabolism, and removal of waste and toxins. Heat and steam relieve tension, a person relaxes, relaxation has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, organs of hearing and vision. The whole procedure has a beneficial effect on:
- immune system;
- condition of the skin;
- muscles;
- hair, nails;
- circulation;
Therma helps fight infections, coughs, and inflammations. Contraindications include:
- pregnancy;
- oncology;
- chronic diseases of the stomach, kidneys, liver,
Roman baths are a legend, the embodiment of freedom, beauty and health. The desire to recreate ancient technologies and translate the experience of the ancients into modern reality is irrational, but wonderful!
The history of Roman baths goes back more than two thousand years. It was the Romans who were the first to come up with and begin to build the so-called baths. The main requirement for the construction of such a bathhouse was close proximity to thermal springs. Thanks to the abundance of suitable sources, a great many Roman baths were built.
The lack of basic sanitary conditions in the modest and cramped home of a commoner implied the great popularity of public terma baths of that time. For the first time, the terma was built by the commander Agrippus for free use by the inhabitants of the Roman Empire back in the twenties BC.
Ancient Roman baths were more than just a place to wash dirty and tired bodies. Of course, the poor could not count on luxurious apartments; simpler buildings were erected for them. Nevertheless, even such “modest” buildings could accommodate:
- library;
- gym;
- places to talk;
- small recreational park.
Noble Romans had access to more majestic and luxurious baths. Decorated with antique sculptures, columns, mosaics and marble, they amaze with their grandeur through the millennia. Some wealthier Romans built baths for personal use. In Roman baths, bathing was not the main activity. People came here to socialize and relax.
Almost all cultural life took place in the thermal baths; sports competitions, games, wrestling and physical exercises took place here. The most famous and wealthy personalities of the Roman city considered it necessary to build a bath for ordinary hard workers. This earned them respect and popularity. The price of visiting was low, which allowed them to visit the bathhouse every day.
The Baths of Caracalla from the fifth century are considered miracle of the Roman Empire. These are some of the most luxurious and huge thermal baths. They could easily receive up to two thousand Romans at a time.
Construction of thermal baths
The public Roman baths were striking in their scale, with about six rooms directly related to the ablution process:
- Like any bathhouse, the terma began with a locker room. In this cool room, with the Roman name apodytherium, visitors left their clothes.
- Following the rules of ablution, you then had to go to the tepidarium - a room heated to approximately 40 degrees. The Romans were of the opinion that it was necessary to warm up gradually. The presence of a swimming pool allowed us to relax and improve our condition.
- The next room that needed to be visited was called the callidarium. This is already a steam room, with a temperature of about 60-70 degrees. It was also assumed that there would be a warm pool with water from thermal springs.
- For those who like to take a steam bath in a very hot steam room, the Roman baths had a room called a laconium. The temperature of about 85 degrees allowed even the most demanding visitors to enjoy the bath.
- After intensive warming up, there was an opportunity to take a break and plunge into the cool pool in the frigidarium.
- Most Romans could not pass by the lavarium. Here they rubbed their bodies with aromatic oils, did massages, and so on.
The main source of heat in Roman baths was thermal water sources. The main heating stove was located under the floor. The water was heated to the required temperature, and the combustion products of the furnace were used as much as possible to heat the premises. through channels laid in the walls. Even marble or stone bathtubs, sunbeds, and monolithic benches were heated with hot smoke from the stoves. It is difficult to imagine how many people served the thermal baths.
The ruins of ancient baths are found throughout almost the entire territory conquered by the Roman Empire. They were erected wherever they were located for a long time. After the end of the empire's influence in Europe, the Catholic clergy recognized the baths manifestation of paganism, and imposed a ban on their use. The baths were plundered and destroyed by nature and time.
Roman baths today
An interesting fact is that the idea of building ancient baths does not leave our contemporaries. Quite often you can come across interesting attempts. Unfortunately, some features of a Roman bath are almost impossible to recreate. And it's also very expensive. To be able to build such a bathhouse, a huge amount of materials of natural origin is required. If you replace natural materials with modern ones ( artificial), then the heat conservation technology conceived by the ancient Romans will be disrupted.
The real difficulty in implementing the construction of a thermal bath is mandatory presence of a thermal spring. Everything that our contemporaries build and call Roman baths can only be called that in quotation marks.
