Caldarium bath

The Forum Baths were built to a similar design as the Stabian Baths. There were two separate bathing areas - one for men and one for women and there were two separate entrances. After the earthquake in 62 AD, the baths were restored and were being used again when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

This picture shows the caldarium or hot room of the Forum baths. The caldarium contained, as usual, a bath which would have been filled with hot water together with a basin which was filled with cold water so that bathers could cool off. This picture shows the bath which has steps leading up to it. The basin containing the cold water is at the other end of the room.