#romanbaths

The last Kiss before the Battle

In ancient Greece, homosexuality was not taboo. In fact, it was sometimes even encouraged. The Greeks believed that male love made warriors stronger and more determined.

The Sacred Band of Thebes, also known as the Theban Sacred Band, was a notable military unit in the 4th century BC. This elite unit consisted of 150 warriors, all of whom were members of the noble class. Under the leadership of Epaminondas, a brilliant Theban general, the Sacred Band was trained to be a formidable fighting force. It was also known for its openness towards homosexuality.

Its fame is primarily based on its outstanding performance in the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC. In this historic conflict, they managed to defeat the then-powerful Spartans. Epaminondas encouraged his men in this decisive battle with inspiring words: "We will either defeat the Spartans today or die in battle." These words are testament to the determination and courage that characterized the Sacred Band.

Another significant moment in its history took place in the Battle of Mantinea in 362 BC. Here, Pelopidas, who was leading the Sacred Band at the time, is said to have encouraged his men with the words: "We are the best warriors in Greece, and we will fight for our freedom today." This commitment to freedom and self-belief helped to solidify the unit's legendary reputation.

Love and Friendship. Roman Baths: A Meeting Place for Leisure and Sport

Roman baths in ancient Rome were public facilities that were visited by people of all social classes and walks of life. They were a place for socializing, relaxation, and personal hygiene.

The Romans had a relatively liberal attitude towards sexuality. Same-sex relationships were not prohibited, and they were often accepted. In some cases, they were even seen as positive.

In Roman baths, there were sometimes sexual encounters between men. This often happened between men of the same social status. However, it was also common for men from different social classes to have sexual relationships with each other.

Young men often went to the baths together to socialize, exercise, and relax. It was not uncommon for young men to be naked together in the baths. This was seen as a sign of camaraderie and friendship.

There is also evidence to suggest that there were occasional sexual encounters between young men in Roman baths. However, this did not always happen. In some cases, the young men were simply friends who were spending time together.

The Baths of the Roman Empire

An infographic illustrating a typical Roman bathhouse design and elements. The Baths of the Roman Empire were a complex network of public facilities playing a major role in the daily lives of the citizens of the empire. Most Roman baths followed a similar layout of interconnected rooms and spaces, including a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room), along with an apodyterium (changing room), natatio (swimming pool), and palaestra (exercise areas). This standardized arrangement allowed bathers to navigate the complex with familiarity regardless of their location within the empire.

Touring the Roman Baths in Bath, England

We visited the Roman Baths while in Bath, England, for our oldest child’s graduation, and gazed upon 2,000 years of history. We also gazed upon a few naked Romans! But Bob was upset that they wouldn’t let him soak in the medicinal water. The Roman Baths are one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, according to the Baths’ website, romanbaths.co.uk/.

“Once the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world, the people of Roman Britain came to the site to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bathe in the waters of the natural thermal springs, which still flow with hot water today,” says the website. “Today visitors can explore the Roman Baths complex, walk on the original Roman pavements and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva.

"The museum collection, located next to the bathing complex, includes a gilt bronze head of the Goddess Sulis Minerva, and other Roman artifacts.”

The cost per person was about $23, and you buy your tickets in advance for a timed entry.

Enjoy Bob’s irreverent take on this ancient site!