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The cameraChapter XXVIII. To go into details would take too long. We entered the bath, finally, and after sweating for a minute or two in the warm room, we passed through into the cold water. But short as was the time, Trimalchio had already been sprinkled with perfume and was being rubbed down, not with linen towels, however, but with cloths made from the finest wool. Meanwhile, three masseurs were guzzling Falernian under his eyes, and when they spilled a great deal of it in their brawling, Trimalchio declared they were pouring a libation to his Genius. He was then wrapped in a coarse scarlet wrap-rascal, and placed in a litter. Four runners, whose liveries were decorated with metal plates, preceded him, as also did a wheel-chair in which rode his favorite, a withered, blear eyed slave, even more repulsive looking than his master. A singing boy approached the head of his litter, as he was being carried along, and played upon small pipes the whole way, just as if he were communicating some secret to his master's ear. Marveling greatly, we followed...
Below I have given my interpretation of a time schedule for a day at the baths. Next, I will show a similar time schedule for what I think a day at a modern "bath" would be like.
0730-0900 :
I wake up and head out to the city square, where I find the bath house near the great basilica.
0900-1000:
First, I enter the Palaestra, where I meet some friends for a game of trochus.
1000-1100:
Next, I move on with them to the Apodyterium. There, I hire a slave to watch over my garments, perfumes, sponges, and oils. I receive a massage by my slave as I prepare for my baths.
1100-1200:
I have my slave bring me something light to eat, a sausage or two and some wine, from one of the vendors and I prepare to enter the Tepidarium.
1200-1400:
While in the Tepidarium, another slave uses a strigil and olive oil to scrape away the dirt on my body. Then, she removes the hairs on my body and gives me another massage. I then take a warm bath.
1400-1500:
I enter the Caldarium, where I take a hot bath and let the steam open my pores.
1400-1500:
I enter the final room, the Frigidarium. While there, I cool off and take a bath in a pool with very cold water. Then, I dry off and collect my items from my slave. It is time to leave the baths.
1500-1530:
It is late afternoon so I socialize and decided what I shall do as an evening activity.
Back To: Roman Baths
On to: A Day At "The Baths"
Sources: Sarah the Magnificent's Project, Nova Online, Nova Video, Anthony Birley
