Why Bathhouses Were the Heart of Roman Culture

Explore the role of water in ancient Rome, a city sustained by 12 aqueducts that supplied its fountains, bathhouses, and even private homes. Rome’s population reached one million, an unprecedented number for antiquity, and the aqueducts were a marvel of Roman engineering, channeling water from natural springs into the bustling city.

Discover the diverse jobs of ancient Rome, from prestigious careers like soldiers and artisans to the unpleasant roles of bathhouse attendants and laundry workers. This episode explores the labor that sustained Rome's bustling economy and vibrant urban life.

Examine the multiculturalism that defined Imperial Rome, a city of nearly a million people drawn from across the Roman Empire. Much like the melting pot of modern New York, ancient Rome was home to a vast array of cultures, with immigrants bringing their own customs, languages, and gods to the capital.