Bathing in the Roman World

by Fikret Yegül

In Bathing in the Roman World, Fikret Yegul examines the social and cultural aspects of one of the key Roman institutions. Guiding the reader through the customs, rituals, and activities associated with public bathing, Yegul traces the origins and development of baths and bathing customs and analyzes the sophisticated technology and architecture of bath complexes, which were among the most imposing of all Roman building types. He also examines the reception of bathing throughout the classical world and the transformation of bathing culture across three continents in Byzantine and Christian societies. The volume concludes with an epilogue on bathing and cleanliness in post-classical Europe, revealing the changes and continuities in culture that have made public bathing a viable phenomenon even in the modern era. Richly illustrated and written in an accessible manner, this book is geared to undergraduates for use in courses on Roman architecture, archaeology, civilization, and social and cultural history.

Genres: History

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Miguel Baptista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly interesting book. I had always been curious to learn about the famous baths and bathouses of the Romans, and Yegul delivers. Though this is not at all a narrative history, not only was the author thorough and accessible in presenting this niche topic from the earliest adoption of bathing by the Romans, but he went the extra mile to demonstrate the role that Roman bathing surprisingly played in shaping the development of Christian and Western thought and civilization. The book also includes illustrations such as modern architectural plans and brilliant 19th century paintings that reconstruct provincial baths to some of the most monumental Imperial Roman bathhouses in Rome. A gem for curious people.