Le Tub
Le Tub: A Dive into Roman Bath Culture and Tubs That Stood the Test of Time
Over the holidays, I visited Rome and saw one of the most stunning ancient tubs in the Vatican Museums, along with other vessels that resembled bathing tubs. These sculptural masterpieces sparked my curiosity about the culture surrounding Roman baths. Though I didn’t visit the baths themselves, exploring the history of this tub led me down a fascinating rabbit hole into the world of public baths, the individuals who owned these luxurious artifacts, and the craftsmen who created such wonders.
The Roman Bathhouse: More Than Just a Bath
Roman bathhouses, or thermae, emerged during the Republic and reached their peak during the Empire, with emperors like Diocletian (ruled. 284–305 CE) and Caracalla (ruled. 198–217 CE) constructing monumental complexes. These weren’t just places to get clean, they were the original wellness retreats, minus the cucumber water and overpriced eucalyptus towels, but with plenty of gossip, political maneuvering, and the occasional philosophical debate. From the steamy caldarium (hot bath) to the refreshing frigidarium (cold bath), bathhouses catered to every need. Turns out cold plunge is hardly a new phenomenon!
The Carved Tubs: Art for the Elite
The Baths of Diocletian, built-in 298 CE, were among the most magnificent, spanning over 32 acres and accommodating up to 3,000 bathers at a time. This wasn’t just a spa day, it was an architectural and engineering feat. Ingenious engineering feats made these spaces possible. Aqueducts supplied water from distant sources, while hypocaust heating, an underfloor system, circulated hot air through raised floors, keeping the baths warm year-round. This combination of luxury and innovation made Roman baths not only grand social centers but also marvels of ancient engineering.
The vessels I saw in the Vatican Museums, with their intricate carvings and opulent materials, weren’t everyday items, they were designed for the elite. Crafted from luxurious materials like marble and porphyry, these tubs often featured bold designs, including wave patterns and lion head handles, showcasing the wealth and status of their owners.
Porphyry, a material I was not familiar with, sourced from Egypt, was particularly prized for its deep red hue and rarity. It symbolized imperial power and exclusivity, often reserved for emperors and the upper echelons of society. Unlike the communal baths, these tubs weren’t found in public thermae but in private villas and palaces, serving both as functional objects and as grand statements of luxury.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The Romans understood that even something as simple as a bathtub or as massive as a bathhouse could be elevated to art. Their mastery of craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and attention to detail offer timeless lessons for modern design. I’m not saying your next purchase should be a hand-carved marble tub that costs as much as a house down payment, but investing in a Waterworks or Kohler freestanding tub, or choosing high-quality materials like stone or marble, not only adds elegance but also stands the test of time - much like the baths of ancient Rome. And let’s face it, I’m in the luxury business so if you are inclined, I’ll happily design a sensational soaking moment just for you!
After all, if you’re going to soak, you might as well do it like an emperor if that’s your thing.