classical antiquity Classical antiquity (also the classical era, classical period or classical age) is the period of cultural history between the 8th century BC and the 5th century AD centred on the Mediterranean Sea, comprising the interlocking civilizations of ...

, a baptisterium ( grc, βαπτιστήριον) was a large basin installed in private or

public baths Public baths originated when most people in population centers did not have access to private bathing facilities. Though termed "public", they have often been restricted according to gender, religious affiliation, personal membership, and other cr ...

into which bathers could plunge, or even swim about.Epist. ii. 17, 11 (cited by Peck) It is more commonly called ''natatorium'' or ''piscina''.

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Ancient Roman baths {{AncientRome-struct-stub