The Emperor Caracalla began in 212AD the largest
baths that Rome had ever seen. The baths functioned for about 300
years and could host 1.600 bathers: the poorest were not excluded,
although they had fewer slaves then the rich to assist them. The
sober exterior contrast with the rich interior: floor paved with
mosaics and marble, walls covered with mosaics and gilded with stucco
works.