The book “Bathing in Public in the Roman World” is one of the unique books written by Garrett G. Fagan in the year 1999. Published by the University of the Michigan press, the book is a surprising discovery of the Roman habit of bathing in the public in the context of cultural and social history. Fagan closely examines the architectural features of Roman baths, especially the function of the technical and hydraulic elements . While the ancient writers gave little importance to bathing as a matter of literary interest, Fagan gives the archaeological evidence of the habit of bathing and the effect of heat and water on the human beings. Author divided the book into two parts, wherein the first part discusses about the Roman public bathing and the second part gives an account of epigraphic sample presenting bath-related inscriptions with commentary.
In the first chapter called “A Visit to the Baths with the Martial,” ponders the question as to what one sees at the baths. While some baths are fashionable, others are not, however, Fagan states that circumstances change with time and it is not apt to hope for answers that assume a static society. The time period discussed by the author in the book lasts from 200 B.C.E to 200 C.E. Fagan has no answer for the question of mixed-gender bathing. Three other cultures, namely, Finnish, Islamic and Japanese were available in conjunction with the bath culture of the Romans . In addition to drink, food was also available, which has epigraphic evidence to set alongside the remarks of the Martial. The fact that thievery was a notable risk implies the reason for bathing in the public by the Romans.
Though the origin and growth of the Roman habit remain vague, Fagan provides evidence for its developments through the first century B.C.E. with a rapid increase in the first century C.E. Pompeii provides archaeological evidence, however, with uncertainties. Fagan suggests Pliny’s “gratuita praebita balinea” attributed to Agrippa’s aedileship to free bathing opportunities rather bathing establishments. Fagan points out the data supplied by Frontius on the water resources available at Rome as uncertain to determine the bathing phenomenon in Rome. To give an account for the new taste of the Romans to bath in the public during the era was a matter of speculation. Bathing establishments fell into the category of voluptas, which were a desire for public amenities not only for the population of the capital but also for the cities and municipia throughout the Roman Empire, specifically in the west . The increase in the population of Rome intensified the traditional practices of communal life.
Engineering and architectural technological advancements permitted the building of vaster complexes. The Romans preferred bathing in the public not only for wine and sex, but also for its goodness. Medical writers give an account of the Roman habit of bathing as an act of health consciousness. They relate it with the decorative elements, such as Hygieia and Asclepius . Certain evidence also proves the presence of physicians at the bathing establishments. Fagan makes a mention of the central role of Asclepius of Bithynia during the second and first centuries B.C.E. However, bathing as a medical prescription was not the foremost reason for the bathing practices in the Roman era. There is no evidence of the attestation of the public officials in providing public bathing in the Republic . The bathing complex and its followers at Rome were benevolences of the imperial house.
On the other hand, benevolences elsewhere were private citizens and persons of distinction in their localities acting specifically to ensure their election to the public office. In addition to the benefactions, inscriptions in larger numbers attest to repairs and improvements as to gifts of free bathing and free oil . Though the motives of the benefactors were unclear, Fagan discusses about the social and political possibilities. Based on the literary and archaeological evidence, Fagan stresses on the necessity for constant repairs in a hot and damp environment. This suggests that even in fine and well-maintained establishments, sanity and hygiene were of utmost importance as in the modern world. In Rome, bathing and baths were for everyone. However, the question arises about the social mixing of the various constituent groups, such as the emperor and household, senators, commoners, plebs, visitors and slaves . Fagan assumes the bathing experience as a social equalizer. For a majority of the elite group, bathing at home was a regular option.
In regards to the public banquet, baths were a public venue where the rich went to flaunt and show off their social superiority. Hence, bathing structures and their benefactions were common and easily available wherever Romans and their institutions were present. The book is the first of its kind to study about the public bathing experience of the Romans. The author succeeds in presenting a social, historical as well as cultural phenomenon in explaining the concept rather than an archaeological or technical phenomenon . The dates mentioned in most of the parts of the book are superficial. Fagan narrates about the bathing establishments and the sociological function played by the baths in the Roman Empire. The author was able to show the evidence of graffiti scribbled on the walls of the bathing establishments, which also include literary references.
On many occasions, the author challenges various strong beliefs about Roman baths as places of public hygiene and social identity. The book interests those readers who study about the municipal life and Roman leisure. Social anthropologists and sociologists also find the book interesting as it provides comparative evidence. In spite of the typical terminology the book is a treat for the students as it helps them understand the roots of the Roman communal culture of bathing . The title misleads the readers as the book is more about the functions of the bath structures rather than the practice of the culture of bathing. But the impressive part of the book is its practical application of architecture and archaeology on various occasions. The lack of translation of the Greek text in the 339 entries is a big disappointment as one has to take the support of a Greek translator to understand what the texts actually mean, however, the epigraphic sample is an opportunity for the students to research further on the work . The appendices are a treasure to gain background knowledge on the Roman culture of bathing.
References
Fagan, Garrett G. Bathing in Public in the Roman World. University of Michigan Press, 1999.
