Baths of Caracalla

The Caracalla Baths was built by King Caracalla in 217 AD. It is made of granite, and the overall decoration is complex and complicated, showing the luxurious style of the prosperous ancient Rome. The bathing area covers an area of 10 hectares and can accommodate 1,500 people at a time to enjoy the fun of bathing at the same time. Like other baths in Italy at that time, Caracalla Bath was also located in a garden with long grass and beautiful scenery. What is unusual is that there is a library 38 meters long and 22 meters wide on one side of the wall. 32 bookcases for scrolls are built into the inner walls of the library. A bench is built in front of the inner wall so that people can sit comfortably on the bench and read books from the bookcase. There are steps leading to the bathing area next to the library, where people can take a leisurely stroll to the bathing area after reading poetry and books, divert their attention and sort out their emotions. In addition to the library, there is also a stadium next to the baths, which is closely related to the life of the Romans who love sports. Because of the large number of visitors, various shops are also essential. The Rise and Fall of the Baths Three centuries after the Baths opened, during a Roman siege, the water supply to the Baths of Caracalla was cut off by the Goths, and the Baths have since faded from Roman life. Coupled with the fact that the Baths of Caracalla deviates from the center of ancient Rome and loses its function, it soon falls into a miserable state of being forgotten and desolate. It was probably used as a pilgrim's burial ground in the Middle Ages. After the 12th century the ruins of the baths became a quarry for builders.