Copy of a stone plaque from a Roman bath, made in Europe, 1901-1950

Cast of insindered stone plaque recording the building of a solarium at the Roman baths at Carthage, 44-43BC

Washing and cleansing were significant parts of everyday Roman life. The original plaque, of which this is a copy, was found at Qurbus, Tunisia. It recorded the building of a solarium or sun-bathing terrace at the Roman baths in Carthage, in 44-43 BCE.

The translation of the inscription is “Decimus Laelius Balbus, son of Decimus, Quaestor for the Praetor, has attended the building of the sweating rooms [sauna], of the massage chamber and the solarium”.

A quaestor and a praetor are Roman governmental officers.