Stabian Baths

The Stabian Baths is one of three sets of public baths in Pompeii and they were the oldest. The bathing complex occupied a large area and was centred around a palaestra or gymnasium which had columns along three sides. To the west of this palaestra was an open air pool. To the north of the palaestra was a set of toilets but the main bathing complex was to the east.

The bathing suite was divided into two sections: one for men and one for women as the two sexes were not allowed to bathe together. Each section contained the same type of rooms but the male section was more elaborately decorated. These rooms were the apodyterium (changing room), tepidarium (warm room), caldarium (hot room) and the frigidarium (cold room). Water was supplied to these baths using lead pipes or fistulae which led from the 'castellum aquae'.

Bathing was an important and essential part of Roman life. Not only did the baths provide facilities for exercise and cleaning but they were also an important social centre in the town. People visited the baths daily at around midday as a part of their routine and they would pay a minimal charge for entrance. They would meet friends there as well as conduct business deals there. There is evidence that the baths stayed open until the evening as lamps have been found at the baths in Pompeii which indicate this.