Baths - Rome - Baths of Caracalla

Question 1

When was it built?

Answer 1

211-215 AD

Question 2

Who built it?

Answer 2

Caracalla

Question 3

Why did Caracalla build it?

Answer 3

Statement of imperial power and to cement his position to the people

Question 4

How much did the huge platform cover?

Answer 4

100,000 square metres

Question 5

How many entrances did the Baths of Caracalla have?

Answer 5

4

Question 6

Comment on the 4 entrances?

Answer 6

They were cross-vaulted in three bays and had huge piers to support.

Question 7

The overall scale of the baths of Caracalla?

Answer 7

225 x 185 x 35

Question 8

What did the central imposing block have?

Answer 8

Natation, frigidarium and circular caladarium

Question 9

How were the natation, frigidarium and circular caladium aligned?

Answer 9

Central axis

Question 10

How many men did it take to build the baths of Caracalla?

Answer 10

9,000

Question 11

How long did it take to build the baths of Caracalla?

Answer 11

5 years

Question 12

How much earth was removed to build the baths of Caracalla?

Answer 12

150,000 cm

Question 13

How much tufa and mortar was brought in to build the baths of Caracalla?

Answer 13

280,000 cm of tufa and mortar

Question 14

How much brick was brought in to build?

Answer 14

15 million pieces

Question 15

What kind of columns were created, and were they necessary?

Answer 15

Ornate - architectural statement.

Question 16

What were the baths made of?

Answer 16

Granite, basalt and alabaster

Question 17

What was the water capacity of the baths of Caracalla?

Answer 17

8.2 million litre

Question 18

What streets were created parallel to allow the full effect of the baths?

Answer 18

Via nova and via appai

Question 19

What was the decor like in the main rooms?

Answer 19

A mix of statues, exotic marble facing and mosaic work

Question 20

How were the columns positioned at the exterior?

Answer 20

Multi-tiered ranks

Question 21

What did the Baths of Caracalla want to achieve by having multi-tiered ranks of columns and niches?

Answer 21

Recall theatre frontages

Question 22

What else did the Baths of Caracalla provide?

Answer 22

Public facilities e.g. libraries etc

Question 23

What were the actual baths like?

Answer 23

Gaint frigidarium at centre (three cross vaults and bays in each corner with plunge baths)

Question 24

Where was the palaestra?

Answer 24

East wing

Question 25

How was the palaestra open?

Answer 25

Portico of corinthian columns on each side

Question 26

How many exhedra’s were there?

Answer 26

3