Roman Baths, Beirut

Roman Baths, located in the heart of downtown Beirut, Lebanon.

Overview

Roman Berytus had four major bath complexes. The archaeological ruins of one bath complex have been preserved and are occasionally used as a performance space, thus reflecting the ancient traditions of the site.

History

The Roman bathhouse was a meeting place for all citizens. Roman Berytus had four major bath complexes (thermae). The bather moved from warm to hot baths, through rooms of varying temperatures. Located under the floor, the heating system (hypocaust) allowed air that was warmed by wood fires in adjacent vaults to circulate between pillars of terra-cotta disks heating the marble floor. The terra-cotta pipes in the walls allowed the air to flow and rise up to the ceiling. Water from the boiler fed the marble-tiled pools in the hot room (caldarium) and a large stone basin (labrum) contained cool water for the bathers to use. The bathing routine typically ended with a body massage of therapeutic oils. The vaulted and spacious halls of the bathhouse also accommodated performances of jesters and musicians. Today, the location of the Roman Baths is occasionally used as a performance space, reflecting the ancient traditions of the site. The modern garden also contains a variety of medicinal plants once used in bathing balms.

See also

• Roman Baths (Bath)
• Roman Berytus
• Hypocaust
• Caldarium
• Labrum
• Serail Hill
• Cisterns of the Roman Baths, Beirut

References

{{Mouterde, René et Lauffray, Jean (1952) Beyrouth ville romaine, Publications de la Direction des Antiquités du Liban, Beyrouth.

Lauffray, Jean (1977) « Beyrouth. Archéologie et Historie, époques gréco-romaines. I. Période hellénistique et Haut-Empire romain", Aufstieg und Niedergang der Romischen Welt. II.8 : 135-163, Wallter de Gruyter, Berlin.}}