Among the much-ravaged ruins of ancient Karanis, the small bathhouse situated in the Northern area of the site is a fine example of the Roman public baths in Egypt. It is also architecturally unique in comprising a complete set of rooms of different functions in spite of its small size. The building was constructed primarily of red bricks and sun-dried bricks, with the floors paved with local limestone flagstones. The red brick-built rooms that served for the actual bathing were covered with domes and vaults, while the large disrobing/banquet hall was covered with a wooden roof, now entirely missing. The hot section of the bath was heated by an elaborate and energy-efficient hot-air system with under-floor channels and chambers, and exhausts inside the walls. Naturalistic floral motifs painted in vivid colors, now only fragmentarily preserved.
Modeling: Ahmed Atia Editing: Ahmed Abdel Aziz
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