It spanned from England to the Middle East and, at its height, ruled over as many as 50 million people. Today, if you visit any lands around the Mediterranean Sea, you’ll find crumbling remains of this once-mighty empire.
Which empire was this? None other than the Roman Empire, of course. And, like other ancient civilizations, Rome had a rich tradition of massage therapy, bathing rituals, and natural wellness.
In this next installment in our History of Massage series, we’ll journey back over 2,000 years to learn about massage in the Roman Empire. Keep reading below!
Roman Baths & Traditions of Bathing
In the Roman Empire, bathing was more than just a means of cleanliness. It was an essential part of social and cultural life.
Public baths, or thermae, were grand communal spaces where Romans would gather to relax, socialize, and conduct business. These baths, often elaborately constructed, included rooms and features that catered to different parts of the bathing ritual. Patrons would move through a sequence of rooms, including the:
- frigidarium (cold room)
- tepidarium (warm room)
- caldarium (hot room)
Each type of room served a unique purpose in relaxation and hygiene. The heated rooms, heated by an underfloor system called the hypocaust, helped open the pores and prepare the body for additional treatments, including (you guessed it) massage.
Beyond physical cleanliness, bathing in Rome was a daily ritual of restoration. Many baths also had exercise areas, gardens, and libraries, making them centers for physical and intellectual rejuvenation.
For the wealthy, private baths were often available at home. But for the majority, the public baths provided a space to unwind, recharge, and connect with others. The baths served as a focal point of Roman life, reflecting the cultural importance placed on health, leisure, and communal relaxation.
Massage in the Roman Empire
Massage was a prominent feature of Roman bathing culture and was valued for its healing and relaxing properties. After completing the bathing sequence, many Romans would receive a massage to help ease pain and muscle tension and promote wellness.
Typically, a masso or aliptes (skilled massage practitioners) would apply olive oil mixed with fragrant herbs to enhance relaxation and invigorate the skin. Massage oils were often scented with lavender, rosemary, or myrtle, adding aromatherapeutic benefits to the experience.
Massage in the Roman Empire was believed to benefit both the body and the mind, making it an essential practice in maintaining health and vitality. The use of oils and therapeutic techniques helped soothe sore muscles, often for soldiers returning from battle or athletes recovering from strenuous physical activity.
In addition to relaxation, massage was also thought to improve circulation, aid digestion, and reduce stress — benefits that are still recognized in massage therapy today. Elite Romans especially valued massage as part of their wellness routine, and it was common for wealthy households to employ personal massage therapists.
As Roman influence spread, so did the popularity of massage and bathing culture. Roman soldiers and settlers introduced these practices to other parts of the empire, including Britain, Gaul, and North Africa. This cultural exchange helped spread Roman wellness practices and embedded massage into the broader fabric of the ancient world.
Massage in Our Modern World
Massage in the Roman Empire was deeply intertwined with the traditions of the Roman baths. It was seen as both a luxury and a necessity for physical and mental well-being.
Whether as part of the public bath experience or in private homes, massage was a key element of Roman life. This ancient practice also helped to lay the groundwork for modern massage therapy, highlighting the timeless importance of wellness and relaxation in human culture.
Until you get the chance to visit an ancient Roman bath, why not enjoy a massage closer to home? Click here to schedule your next massage at our beautiful Avon studio today!