One doesn’t have to go far down this main street to find a thermal bath. Being so near the sea, this was undoubtedly a very humid town especially in summer, and so a place where the elites especially were looking for shade, and places to bath.
Not surprisingly, on the floor of the bath were images from the sea, among other familiar motifs (notice the various means of transportation emphasized, so important to a port city. There were various shrines nearby as well, because the ancients believed that one key to health was keeping clean, and honoring the gods. 
Libations were one way to honor the dead. Notice the abbreviation on the inscription in the second picture above— D M, short of dis manibus. This could be translated ‘to the spirits of the dead’ but also Dis was sometimes a name from the god of the underworld and mani could refer to a hand rather than a spirit, hence into the hands of the god of the underworld. One thing one learns clearly enough is that the ancient were quite religious, not only worshipping pagan gods, but attempt to commune and communicate with the spirits of their dead ancestors. The word used to refer to the spirit of the pater familias was ‘genius’, from which we get the word ‘genius’ of course. The Romans believed one could become wise by consulting with the spirits of the pater familias especially. The latter picture above marks the spot where someone could do a libation in honor of the deceased, or as a petition to a deity.
Here is a nearby family tomb, notice the niches for urns for the ashes of the dead.
Some preferred to be buried in a sarcophagus…. A term literally meaning ‘flesh eater’.
While perhaps the ancients couldn’t imagine it, Americans like hot coffee even in early summer, as when we were there. I personally want one of these coffee machines…. look at all the choices!
possibilities!
The Italians today not only know how to do delicious meals, they are also experts in delicious beverages of various sorts.
English (US) · 