Forum Baths, Pompei

The Forum Baths are one of four bath houses discovered in the ruined city of Pompei. Along with the Central, Stabian and Suburban Baths, they have given a fascinating insight into the importance of public baths in Roman life. With little in the way of bathing facilities found inside private dwellings, it appears that bathing in these buildings would have been a daily ritual for many citizens. The Forum Baths were not the largest or most decorated in the city, but survived the 62 AD earthquake relatively unscathed, and as a result were the only baths still in use when the city was destroyed.

The Forum Baths are located opposite the Temple of Fortuna Augusta in the centre of Pompei. Divided into men’s and women’s sections, this compact bath house contained all of the features found in larger public baths, including a frigidarium, where customers could take a cold bath. The apodyterium, or changing room, is notable for its high barrel vaulted roof, complete with a skylight. The caldarium, which contained hot baths, was heated by warm air circulated within cavities in the walls. The room also features a marble labrum bath which allows bathers to cool off after bathing.