Terme del Nuotatore

Panel 33 - Location

Built in the late Flavian period (late 1st century AD), the baths underwent significant transformations during the 2nd century and were then precociously abandoned in the mid-3rd century AD.

Panel 33 - Figure 1Reconstruction section of the baths during the first phase
(M. Medri, V. Di Cola)

The entrance corridor built through the nearby Sanctuary of the Bona Dea led into a vestibule (A) giving access both to the gymnasium sector and the bath rooms.

A visit to the baths began in the frigidarium (room for cold baths) (B), which has a mosaic floor depicting a swimmer. This was followed by two tepidaria (rooms for warm baths) (C), one of which was decorated with stucco reliefs, a laconicum (steam room) (D) and two calidaria (rooms with hot baths) (E).

Panel 33 - Figure 2Detail of the swimmer depicted in the mosaic Panel 33 - Figure 3Male bust in marble found inside the baths

A large two-storey cistern (G) guaranteed the baths’ water supply; they were also fed by the city aqueduct through lead pipes.

Panel 33 - Figure 4Detail of the stucco decoration of the ceiling of the tepidarium

See also:

The area of the eastern cults and the Porta Laurentina district