Pl.: natationes

The large unheated swimming pool located in the cold section of the baths. It was often unroofed and surrounded by porticos, and had a depth up to 1.5 m. Such pools were mainly installed in the larger baths and demanded a considerable supply of water.

The natatio opening off the frigidarium of the Large East Baths of Mactar, Tunisia (L) and the natatio of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome (R) (photos Konogan Beaufay).