Scholastica Baths
Originally constructed in the 1st century, these baths got their name from the Christian woman who renovated them in the 4th century. In the ancient world, the baths were a place not only for rest and recreation, but also for discussion of important philosophical issues. According to a tradition reported by St. Irenaeus, the Apostle John was apparently known to frequent the baths, but rapidly departed one day when he found out that a Gnostic heretic named Cerinthus was there. According to Irenaeus, John warned, “Let us fly, lest even the bath-house fall down, because Cerinthus, the enemy of the truth, is within!” However, it is unclear based on the account of Irenaeus which of the local Roman baths was where the incident occurred.
+© Carole Raddato | Flickr CC BY SA 2.0