10. The thermal baths and the culture of water

Right from the outset Barcino managed its supply of water very carefully as it was a critical resource in terms of food, economics and health. The thermal baths were used for this latter purpose as facilities for bathing and personal hygiene which were also a venue for social interaction. 

All the city’s inhabitants could use the public baths such as the ones at Porta de Mar and in Plaça de Sant Miquel, the latter paid for by Luci Minici Natal, the Roman consul born in Barcino. However, wealthy families additionally had private bath complexes in their residences.