There are many famous structures in Rome that have important historical significance to Italy. One of these structures is the Baths of Diocletian. These were the largest and most impressive baths in Ancient Rome. Here are 15 more facts about this significant Italian landmark.
- Maximian, Diocletian’s co-emperor, commissioned the construction of the baths in 298 AD.
- The aim was to create baths that were larger and more impressive than the Baths of Caracalla. The result was baths with double the capacity.
- The project was continued by Constantius when Maximian and Diocletian abdicated.
- In addition to the baths, this was a complete leisure facility that included libraries, public spaces, gardens, theaters and gymnasiums.
- The interior of the baths was constructed predominantly from marble.
- Within the baths, there were pools available in different temperatures; hot, warm, tepid, and cold.
- The central hall of the Baths of Diocletian was used as the model to create the Basilica of Maxentius.
- The baths are located at the top of the Viminal, the lowest of Rome’s seven hills.
- Originally, those who used the baths were the inhabitants of the Quirinal and Esquiline quarters of Rome.
- The baths were supplied with water by the Aqua Marcia aqueduct and some historians believe that an additional supply came from the Aqua Antoniniana aqueduct.
- The three main parts of the baths were the caldarium, the tepidarium, and the frigidarium.
- The Baths of Diocletian were in constant use by the Romans for over two centuries.
- In the 4th-century, the baths were used to baptize converts to Christianity.
- In 1537, the Goths invaded Rome and cut off the water supply to the baths and this was the reason people stopped using the baths.
- In the modern day, state funerals sometimes take place at the Baths of Diocletian.
