Design and Decoration

The design of the bath closely follows the established 'template' of the imperial baths - a central bathing block (containing the typical bathing sequence: frigidarium, tepidarium, caladarium, palestra, that is widely accepted in the Roman world) surrounded by the precinct of the gardens and an outer wall protecting and defining the whole complex. The main axis lies on SW-NE; with the hottest room (the caldarium) facing SW to maximize the sun gain. The projecting exedra is built to give ample space for sun, and to protect the bath proper from the surrounding buildings. Entrances are located on all sides away from the SW.


Entering the bath proper one finds the rectangular natatio, or the swimming pool, which borders the bath proper with a theatrical scene front, the design of which goes back to the baths of Trajan. It as accessible from all sides and opens into variety of supporting rooms and the frigidarium. The frigidarium itself becomes much bigger than in any of the previous imperial baths, and appropriates most of the bath proper, pushing all smaller rooms to the side. Concrete vaulting is employed throughout, not only for the large spaces where it is necessary. After a relatively small tepidarium, the visitor is finally led into the vast sun-washed caldarium, rivaling in size the main hall. (Richardson.390)

The walls were largely fenestrated, with glazed openings to allow maximum amount of light into the majestic halls of the thermae. Floor and wall mosaics and marble paneling reflected the light among the surfaces and the high vaulted ceiling, maximizing the grandiose character of the space. Fenestrated walls coming onto colonnaded screens vaguely defined the rooms, so, despite the set functional characteristic of each room, the space read very open and the light was allowed to penetrate deep into the building.

Baths of Trajan

Baths of Caracalla

Typical bay of the building