f ancient Rome were regarded as places of relaxation; but in time they came to serve more than the purpose of bathing. Focused on the well being of the body, the Romans eventually combined the military activities that kept their bodies in shape with the relaxing baths. "The public baths developed into fitness centers similar to our YMCA, health spas, or sports clubs. There were often areas for ballgames, jogging, various exercises, swimming, and massages as well as the baths proper which consisted of a hot-air, hot-tub room; warm-air, warm-tub room; and cold-air, cold-tub room."2 The combination of these two apparently opposite activities points out the practical spirits of Romans' who desired to simultaneously benefit from the positive effects of both exercising as well as body care (bathing, oil rubs or massages).
             But the public baths were equipped with more than training and bathing rooms. In their search for the perfect leisure facility, the Romans soon added other functions to the public baths. "Other amenities frequently found in these establishments were snack shops, meeting rooms, and
             ...