Rubber Duckies...

Last Wednesday we took a group field trip to The Roman Baths. It was an amazing site to see. Many people can easily point out its noticeable columns and now green water, but few know the history behind its everlasting beauty. Roman baths were a main part of Roman social life. They were also a feat of engineering at the time. The first baths, which are referred to as balneum, were privately owned. Eventually everyone in Rome used Roman baths regardless of social class. The baths did have entry fees but they were moderately priced since they were government owned. Also many of the baths had workout equipment nearby. In my opinion, the Roman baths were what we now refer to as community centers. Both places have community pools, work out places, anyone can come to them, and they are low priced. I think that the Roman baths were created as a way to help people of all different backgrounds come together and socialize while having a good time. The stones that surround the baths, ones of which we all walked on while visiting there, are over 2000 years old! Most bath houses were considerably large and some could even hold up to 3,000 people at one time. Therefore, in a group that can be that big, theft was always a possibility. Nevertheless the baths were very popular for the people of that time and even in today’s world they still seems to amaze anyone who is fortunate enough to go and see it for themselves. Today many of the baths have been turned into tourist attractions and museums. Also they have been specially equipped to provide information to the people who are there about how the baths came about.

*The Legend of the Baths:
There is a legend that Bath was founded in 860 BC when Prince Bladud, father of King Lear, caught leprosy. He was banned from the court and was forced to look after pigs. The pigs also had a skin disease but after they wallowed in hot mud they were cured. Prince Bladud followed their example and was also cured. Later he became king and founded the city of Bath. (Tim Lambert)


*different sites to visit for more info:
http://www.destination360.com/europe/uk/roman-baths.php
http://www.romanbaths.co.uk/
http://www.localhistories.org/bath.html