Roman baths, historical illustration. Slaves attending to Romans who are bathing, relaxing and receiving massages in a bathing area. These facilities, depending on their size and function, were known as 'thermae' and 'balneae'. As well as serving personal hygiene and health functions, these places were the ancient Roman equivalent of community centres, where socializing and networking took place. Artwork from 'Hygiene et Medecine Des Deux Sexes' (1890) by French author Alexis Clerc (1841-1894).