Death and Decay

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 3 February 2008 in Architecture.

Having watched three apocalyptic movies in a row (I Am Legend, The Mist, Cloverfield) I just have to contribute my share and present you a once crowded place: the Baths of Caracalla, a large theme park that was in use for over 300 years in Rome's southeast. Only when the Goths conquered Italy and clipped the Aqua Marcia (an important water supply line), business was discontinued. But I guess it was not the common Roman's main concern to not go to Caracalla's in those days.
Today this large complex is still in use for cultural events, but its remnants are a reminder of transience.

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Comments (7)

Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia

A very interesting place, MS to go with your excellent story.

3 Feb 2008 7:03am

@Michael Skorulski: Any similarities between this story and our own circumstances are unintended are coincidental ;-)

Ina from Krugersdorp, South Africa

Very interesting information here! The angle you took this photograph at is just perfect! Well done.

3 Feb 2008 7:37am

@Ina: Thank you! This fence is just for protection, you may visit the site for a € 6,- fee. But I didn't feel like doing so, because sometimes it's just too much decay. So I settled for this shot from outside.

eddy from Tehran, Iran

thank you very much for photo and information

3 Feb 2008 2:28pm

@eddy: Every walk you take there is a walk through history. But I guess you know this from your country as well!

Illuci from Hurdegaryp, Netherlands

The beauty of horror, fascinating!

3 Feb 2008 4:19pm

@Illuci: This kind of beauty you'll find more in the Colosseum, a blood-drenched area that still hasn't lost its power. The Baths of Caracalla are like a wrecked shopping mall, a recreation centre that was built for eternity. Watching all this decay can get really disturbing!

Michael from Wuppertal, Germany

Interessante Aufnahme, Manfred! Danke für die zugehörige Info- muss wohl doch mal nach Rom.

3 Feb 2008 6:49pm

@Michael: Kann ich nur empfehlen! Nimm etwas Zeit mit (und im Winter regenfeste Klamotten ;-)

M. Isabel from Lima, Peru

Very nice photo and good graphic document as well.

3 Feb 2008 8:03pm

@M. Isabel: Thank you very much! Without the story it would be just some old walls, wouldn't it?

baobab from Cambridge, United States

Nice capture - I like the series of barriers/walls that can't quite shut out the light.

3 Feb 2008 10:58pm

@baobab: This is just a small part of the site, other parts still have closed rooms, ornaments and mosaics.

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