Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the possible roles and functions of bath-houses for the Romans. It explores the changes that occurred in the bathing culture and shows how the perceptions of bathing were presented in the contemporary sources. The book discusses the descriptions of bathing and bathers and aims to determine the reasons for which bath-houses enjoyed such high popularity in Roman society in Late Antiquity. It focuses on the cultural and social importance of bath-houses and bathing within late Roman society, and the changes relating to the areas that occurred during Late Antiquity. The book describes the evidence pertaining to situations not related to bathing or activities associated with it that did take place in baths. It investigates issues related to religion and the associated cultural sphere, in the context of bathing customs and attitudes.