Indeed these springs as well as conventional baths were a feature of daily life in antiquity. Roman baths were, of course, frequented not only for purposes of maintaining health and hygiene but also for their therapeutic and medicinal virtues. The arts of medicine and balneology alike involve matters of health and hygiene which have cultural, social, and religious implications. Architectural, artistic, statutory, and mosaic considerations associated with baths and healing temples are also embraced as lying within the topic of the conference.
Dreams too are the placebo of antiquity in the practice of healing.
The topic is being interpreted widely to include all facets of Medicine and Balneology. The conference will include all aspects of ancient medicine and, in addition, all aspects of ancient baths, including the architecture, art, mosaics, and statues associated with them, as well as their social, practical, and cultural features and their descriptions in ancient literature. Since dreams are also important in antiquity in the practice of healing, the religious and philosophic explanations of reputed cures and dreams will also be considered. There will be general discussion at morning and afternoon sessions following presentations by selected panelists and respondents. Speakers will include classicists, field archaeologists, historians and specialists in the study of ancient medicine.