PBS Nova Roman Catacomb Mystery

[JeffF]

On this recently aired (in U.S.) program the host Michael Scott (University of Warwick), pointed out that Roman baths actually were responsible for the spread of communicable diseases and likely hastened the spread of plagues like the particularly devastating plagues of the late 2nd/early 3rd century. This is contrary to the belief both in a Roman and modern times that Roman baths were factor in promoting ancient Roman peoples health.

[ANTONIVS MAGNVS]

They did promote good health but only if everyone using them was healthy! Which was the point of his comment. I thought it was well done.

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Ah I missed that, I was watching a program on Bactrian Gold.

[Nathan Ross]

the belief that... Roman baths were factor in promoting ancient Roman peoples health.

Not everyone thought so!

Just as your bath appears to you - oil, sweat, filth, sticky water and all kinds of disgusting things - such is each part of life, and every object. (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, VIII, 24)