Copy of a stone plaque from a Roman bath, made in Europe, 1901-1950
Washing and cleansing were significant parts of everyday Roman life. The original plaque, of which this is a copy, was found at Qurbus, Tunisia. It recorded the building of a solarium or sun-bathing terrace at the Roman baths in Carthage, in 44-43 BCE. The translation of the inscription is “Decimus Laelius Balbus, son of Decimus, Quaestor for the Praetor, has attended the building of the sweating rooms [sauna], of the massage chamber and the solarium”. A quaestor and a praetor are Roman governmental officers.
Object number:
A635515
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: hygiene
The science of health and how to maintain it. A condition or practice which promotes good health. The definition varies widely and differs across cultures.
Glossary: plaque
An ornamental tablet of metal, porcelain etc that depicts a person, scene or inscription. Often fixed to a building in commemoration of a person or notable historical occurence.