nts. In the public baths the only separation was between the sexes, but it was nottotally unheard of for a unisex bath in the lower priced bath houses of the day. Not only wherethe public baths available to the general public, but the gladiatorial games where also a specialevent for all people alike to share, even if they where not citizens of Rome. Free seats at everyshow ( were reserved for the general public), and lines began to form the night before. Free men,slaves, women and children had access to the baths even foreigners.6 The public baths of Romecould be compared to the our public beaches of today. Many people like the philosophers andChristians of the day did not take pleasure in this activity, so they only bathed only once or twicea month. Not everyone in Roman society was worried about their social duty and status. Thepublic baths were also used a place to warm during the winter, while in the city. This was a timewhen heated homes did not existed. One could step inside and be warmed up while it was stillvery cold outside. Another one of the great Roman excesses was the spectacles of the gladiatorial games andchariot races that took place for everyone to see. The gladiators were the super athletes of theday and were regarded as heroes. Many people picked out their favorite gladiator and rutted himon during the games. The spectacles were of interest to everyone, including the Senators andphilosophers.7 But even such gladiator fights and chariot races had critics, who charges thatsuch spectacles typified the human tendency to complicate life unnecessary and waste time withfrivolities.8 Even though, many argued that the gladiatorial games were wrong and should not bepracticed many still went to watch and like Cicero. Whom recorded what happened during thegames. This passion (for spectacles) can be understood. Public spectacles were not dependenton individual taste ( as opposed to public policy), nor were they ...
