Baths Of Caracalla

By Agnete - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28199616

The Baths of Caracalla were the second largest public bath in Rome, behind the Baths of Diocletian. Like many public baths, the complex contained three pools of varying temperature: the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium, filled with cold, lukewarm, and hot water respectively. And additional swimming pool called a natatio was also included. However, the complex also hosted two gyms for practiciing wrestling and boxing, as well as Greek and a Latin library, as well as various shops. A cult to Mithras, a Persian War god whose worship became widespread in the late empire, was also hosted within the building. Various statues were also scattered about the premises

The appeal of this area ties back into my desire to see how Romans truly lived. This is especially interesting since there isn't really an analog to the Roman Baths in our modern society. This thing (for lack of a better word) served an artistic, commercial, social, academic, and even religious function all in 100,000 square meters. That fact alone intrigues me greatly, and lures me to this site.