Ostia Antica in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Latium, Rome, Italy — Central Italy (Tyrrhenian Coast)
Terme del Foro
⎯⎯⎯
Baths of the Forum
(Reg. I, Is. XII, 6)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 5, 2025
1. Terme del Foro / Baths of the Forum Marker
Costruite intorno al 160 d.C. da Marco Gavio Massimo, prefetto del pretorio di Antonino Pio, queste sontuose terme pubbliche (le piω grandi della cittΰ) subirono importanti rifacimenti nel IV e nel V secolo d.C., tra cui la creazione di un ingresso monumentale su Via della Forica (A). Attraverso i vestiboli (B), si raggiungevano gli apodyteria (spogliatoi) (C) e un grande frigidarium (sala con vasche per bagni freddi) (D) con alte volte a crociera. Le sale riscaldate erano rivolte verso sud, in modo da sfruttare al meglio l'esposizione ai raggi del sole: il primo ambiente, di forma ottagonale, era probabilmente un eliocamino (sala dedicata ai bagni di sole) (E); seguivano un laconicum (sala per bagni di sudore) (F) e ambienti tiepidi (G) e caldi (H). La ricca decorazione marmorea dell'edificio risale ai restauri del IV secolo d.C.
Built in around AD 160 by Marcus Gavius Maximus, the praetorian prefect of Antoninus Pius, these luxurious public baths (the city's largest) underwent significant renovations in the 4th and 5th centuries AD, including the construction of a monumental entrance on Via della Forica (A). Through the vestibules (B), patrons entered the apodyteria (changing rooms) (C) and a large frigidarium (room with basins for cold baths) (D) with high cross vaults. The heated
this page online
Erected by Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 160 CE.
Location. 41° 45.232′ N, 12° 17.342′ E. Marker is in Ostia Antica, Lazio (Latium, Rome), in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale. It is on Viale degli Scavi. The marker is inside the Baths of the Forum at Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ostia Antica, Lazio 00119, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire and specifically also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Latrine Presso le Terme del Foro / Toilets near the Baths of the Forum (a few steps from this marker); Tempio di Roma e Augusto / Temple of Rome and Augustus (within shouting distance of this marker); L'Area Centrale e i Complessi di Rappresentanza / The Central Area and the Official Complexes (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Terme del Foro / Baths of the Forum
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 5, 2025
2. Terme del Foro / Baths of the Forum Marker
Also see . . . Terme del Foro o di Gavio Massimo.
Excerpt: "Many statues were found in the baths, but it is often uncertain whether they belong to the building. This seems likely however for statues of Hygieia and Aesculapius (deities of health), for a statue of Fortuna (from the same workshop as the statue of Hygieia), and for the heads of a pugilist and an athlete, referring to the physical exercise or contests that took place in the palaestra. An imago clipeata that once held a portrait may have been placed in the baths in honour of a beneficiary."(Submitted on August 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, August 5, 2025
3. Terme del Foro
The baths' public toilet is a short walk away from this marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 65 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
