Approximately one half mile south of the Colosseum are the Baths of Caracalla. Built between 212 and 216 AD by Emperor Caracalla, they were the second largest public baths in Rome. The Emperor did not have a very good reputation, so he had the baths built for political propaganda purposes, namely so the people would like and remember him. The baths were free to the citizens of Rome. The Aqua Marcia aqueduct was built specifically to provide water for the baths. In the sixth century, the Ostogoths took control of the baths during the Gothic War and destroyed the hydrolic system, thus ending the use of the baths.
What the Baths probably looked like. The complex covered approximately 62 acres (including the gardens).
Looking from the gardens towards the main complex. Underneath this part was the huge heating and storage facility. Approximately ten tons of wood per day were burned to heat the pools. The storage rooms could hold 2000 tons more of wood. Thus, the complex could run for 7 months before the wood had to be replenished.
The main swimming pool area.
There were two sets of twin dressing rooms; one set on the east end of the main swimming pool and another set on the west end.
The Baths of Caracalla were more a leisure center than just baths. There were two public libraries; one for Greek and another for Latin; at either end of the entrance ways. In addition, there was a gymnasium for wrestling and boxing.
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