Bathing in the Roman World

In Bathing in the Roman World, Fikret Yegul examines the social and cultural aspects of one of the key Roman institutions.

Fikret Yegül (Author)

9780521840323, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 September 2009

256 pages, 104 b/w illus.
26.1 x 17.9 x 2 cm, 0.74 kg

'This is an affectionate and scholarly account of the ancient romans' passion for bathing which builds on the author's more extensive study, Baths and Bathing in Classical Antiquity.' History Today

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.

1. Introduction
2. Popularity of bathing in Roman culture
3. Bathing rituals and activities
4. Critics of Roman bathing – ethical and moral questions
5. Origins and development of Roman baths and bathing
6. Heating and water supply systems of Roman baths
7. Architecture of Roman baths
8. Provincial baths of North Africa
9. Baths and bathing in Asia Minor: the gymnastic tradition
10. Bathing and baths in the East during the Late Antique and Byzantine periods: new paradigms of social use
11. Transformations of Roman baths and bathing in Christian and Islamic societies
12. Baths, bathing and cleanliness in post-classical European societies.

Subject Areas: History of architecture [AMX], Theory of architecture [AMA], Architecture [AM], History of art / art & design styles [AC]