Down the drain

Reconstructing social practice from the content of two sewers in a Late Antique bathhouse in Jerash, Jordan

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12374015
AutoresLouise Blanke (0000-0002-5005-9022, University of Edinburgh, autor correspondente), Pernille Bangsgaard (0000-0002-8517-6165, University of Copenhagen), Stephen McPhillips (0000-0003-1778-9709, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique), Raffaella Pappalardo, Tim Penn (0000-0003-4472-9031, University of Reading)
Ano2024
Volume37
Fascículo1
Páginas241-263
Data de publicação2024-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoJournal of Roman Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1047-7594 • E-ISSN: 2331-5709
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s104775942400014x
OpenAlexW4400088808
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas18

This contribution examines social practices in the Central Bathhouse in Jerash in Late Antiquity based on the ceramic assemblage, vessel glass, faunal remains, and small finds retrieved from two sections of the bathhouse's sewer. We argue that although the bathhouse underwent significant architectural alterations from its construction in the 4th c. CE to its abandonment in the late 7th, the activities taking place inside the building remained largely the same. Our study shows that even towards the end of the bathhouse's lifespan, bodily grooming remained integral to the bathing experience, while food and drink were consumed on the premises even though the bathing facilities had been reduced to a bare minimum. The faunal remains indicate the type of food consumed, while the small finds illustrate a lively environment where gaming and gambling took place in a social space frequented by men, women, and children

Ancient history · Antique · Art · Sanitary sewer · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Environmental Science · History · Environmental Engineering