A resource for the study of ancient baths

Piscina

Pl.: Piscinae

A Latin term for a pool. In modern research, it mainly denotes the cold pools of the frigidarium. The piscinae had internal steps for easy access and could be used by several bathers at the same time.

Plan of the Forum Baths of Cumae, with the two cold-water piscinae of the frigidarium highlighted in orange (plan by Konogan Beaufay, redrawn from Guardascione 2019, fig. 1).

L: the trilobated piscina in the frigidarium of the Small baths northwest of the theatre at Bulla Regia (photo Konogan Beaufay).
R: one of the two large rectangular piscinae in the frigidarium of the Hadrianic Baths at Lepcis Magna (photo Sadi Maréchal).