Roman healing spas in Italy : a study in design and function
By Tana J. Allen
PhD Dissertation, University of Alberta, 1998
Abstract: A spa is defined as a bathing establishment which used thermal-mineral spring water for therapeutic purposes. Although the topics of bathing and medicine in the Roman world have received considerable attention, thermal-mineral spas have remained inadequately studied.
Recent research acknowledges the importance of spas, but generally excludes any detailed discussion of the institution. More than thirty spas are known to have existed in Italy alone together with over a hundred more throughout the Roman provinces. Knowledge of many of these is preserved only in the literary record. Further information about other sites has also been brought to light through inscriptions and archaeological investigation. By using a wide range of evidence, including ancient literary sources, inscriptions, and archaeological material, I have provided a clarification of the nature of Roman healing spas in their original context.
In the introduction, I provide a definition of a spa and relevant archaeological background. Because ofthe importance springs had as the most critical feature of spa, the first chapter sets out the information known about the use of thermal-mineral springs. The second chapter discusses the origins of spa bathing. Chapter three focuses entirely on the setting and architecture of spas. One of the difficulties encountered in a study of spas is distinguishing a healing establishment from ordinary bathing complexes. A close analysis of the design of spas makes this possible.
The fourth chapter discusses the interpretation of Baiae and its function as a place of healing. Both the literary evidence and the archaeological evidence illustrate Baiae’s curative potential. Chapter five highlights the various methods available for using the waters. Chapters six and seven are concerned especially with social historical issues: clientele, ownership, and economics. The eighth chapter appraises the cult activity at healing spas.
Thermal-mineral spas were an important aspect of Roman medicine and society. They comprised only one of several choices of medical treatment for Romans. Yet, the many frequent references to the curative powers of spas in the texts and the many elaborately built establishments suggests that spas were regarded highly for their ability to restore health.
Click here to read/download this thesis (PDF file)
