Karanis Bath

3D Model

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, Model of the North Bath in Karanis based on photographs in 2012 by Anthony Cagle and Jason Quinlan. © URU Fayum Project. Editing: Ahmed Abdel Aziz www.karanisbath.com