The Ancient Healing Powers Of The Roman Baths

Secrets Of The Roman Baths | And Why Swimming Is Banned!
In this video, Alice Loxton visits one of the most fascinating Roman sites in Britain, the Roman baths in the glorious city of Bath. But don’t worry, this is not another dreaded Latin lesson.
Alice takes you, the subscribers of the History Hit KZbin channel, through the best bits of the history, the history without the boring bits. She looks at everything from trendy hairstyles to sacrificial altars, we’ll get to grips with ancient curses, beguiling myths and front page news discoveries. She even shows you where our ancestors got it wrong, with typos and botched jobs - which landed them, in, well, a lot of hot water.
So gather your rubber ducks and grab a towel, it’s time to dive head first into the remarkable secrets history of the Roman baths.
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#historyhit #bath #romans

[@puttiplush]

I was expecting the answer to "why swimming is banned" to be "you'll get lead poisoning," and not "you could contract a brain-eating amoeba," so that was a genuine surprise!

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

Yes, well, but heal you from leprosy, you have leprosy and are afraid of getting lead poisoning, but end up with having your brain eaten instead, but no leprosy, so it is not all bad

[@davidarundel6187]

Certain Hot pools in New Zealand, have an ameba that enter the nose . They've been shut for years , yet the warnings still get pasted - " Do not place head under water . Do not Get water up your nose . It's amebic meningitis .and can be fatal .

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

@@davidarundel6187- is there any animal at all that is not lethally dangerous qin Australia?

[@Taz6688]

I was under the impression it was sewage which contaminated the ground water/spring, due to poor water treatment, I am sure someone will correct me if wrong, I seem to remember a report when it closed.

[@followtibbs]

my guess was lead too

[@johndododoe1411]

Unless the Amoeba is living in the underground spring itself, I'm surprised it hasn't been cleaned up and eradicated by the city by temporarily draining the water, disinfecting the buildings and then refilling the pools while taking inspection samples as often as in municipal drinking water.

[@shable1436]

Just on a weekend with lunch money

[@barongerhardt]

Without knowing anything about it and just making a wild guess, the city leaders took advantage of a situation to implement an unpopular rule. With a little time it was mostly forgotten and the new tradition is now established.

[@sandal_thong8631]

24:36

[@user-oh6xq8lx3z]

God bless both you and whoever is reading, dont forget Jesus loves you. He died on the cross for our sins and rose three days later. Have an amazing and safe day!!

[@blueskybanshee8013]

@Niphyra 😆

[@pooterist]

This was a terrific look back. I was a student at Bath in the early 70's and I remember swimming in the baths - they were open then one day a year for residents. It was wonderful to soak and enjoy the steamy water, watching the constant inflow of more hot water from the thick lead pipes. There was a public drinking fountain in the street just outside the pump rooms, and I too remember the warm, iron-rich taste. i heard the story at the time that some seismic event had changed the flow of water and was thought that this brought in the microbial pollutant, so the took the fountain away and stopped the annual bathing events. Pity. I also remember during the extraordinary hot summer and drought of 74 or so, swimming over the central watercourse of Pultney Weir. Good times.

[@joannebutcher860]

Michael Moore I lived in Bath from 1960 to 1969, and one of my friends went to a party swimming in the Baths, before they closed them because of the amoeba. I hated the taste of the Water at the drinking fountain in the Pump Rooms, so only ever had a sip. Bath is one of my favourite places in the World. I just wish houses were less expensive there !

[@qtzt8278]

oh pity .. what a good place for swimming and relaxing..

[@markiobook8639]

That's a lovely corner of England, the bridge is superb.

[@Chris-mh3vf]

I remember swimming in those baths and the fountain too

[@pooterist]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ What a moronic thing to say. I pity anyone who is forced to listen to your cretinous bullshit. Your poor family and all.

[@Wendipops]

My hometown is Bath 💕 and I spent many a school trip at the Roman Baths! I also remember how my granny would tell me that the baths used to be open to the public when she was young and they didn’t foresee any danger! 😅 if you are planning a trip to the Roman Baths a top tip from a local would be to go in the evening to enjoy under the stars ✨

[@SevCaswell]

I've also seen it where the fite baskets around the pool are lit, very atmospheric.

[@aurahyhj]

So that waterfall she was showing, what is that ?

[@joannebutcher860]

@@aurahyhj That sounds like the outlet of the natural hot spring from under the ground - the water is quite hot and steamy.

[@crazyedo9979]

I visited the baths two times yet. My personal recommendation is to go there weekdays early in the morning so you don't have to deal with a ton of loud tourists.😁

[@jjjones2244]

Bath is shite

[@Neil_BT]

Can't believe this was 25 minutes long - seemed to be over in a flash. Thoroughly fascinating, and Alice came over as knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

[@theaxe6198]

Alice was quite pleasant

[@rhuttrho88]

@@theaxe6198 And that Sun 🌞 Dress! 👗😁😃😉

[@RenegadeWoody77]

Alice is absolutely lovely. Her personality, apparel, and looks are exceptional.

[@lukeproctor5873]

I thought she was irritating as fuck.

[@samuraiboi2735]

@@James-to7pi for me its quite the sunny or summer feeling therefore i just enjoy it.

[@bobwerber2984]

I swam in the baths in the 70's at a big Jane Austin jubilee party. Big band playing, drinks, lots of people bobbing around in all the baths making noise. I think we did the Romans proud. Not sure if it stained my bathing suit but it was a blast.

[@Bout_TreeFiddy]

She recited all those historic journal entries from memory! It's impressive and more engaging than reading off a page in post production. Her enthusiasm and passion makes a difference.

[@lucasorourke8759]

Do you know what a teleprompter is

[@nontrashfire2]

We do realize that there isn't a segment that goes on for more than a minute that isn't followed up by a voice over portion or a cutaway a different backdrop.

[@Bout_TreeFiddy]

Sure, she has notes. But her eyes don't follow a teleprompter, and she cites enough lengthy details without voiceover to still impress

[@nontrashfire2]

@@Bout_TreeFiddy there are many voiceovers. Any time narration in not accompanied by an image of the speaker it's a voiceover. There's a script. There's nothing wrong with that.

[@authoritariangentleman7570]

simp

[@pheart2381]

I like this presenter. She gets the balance between education and humour right.

[@sunshinewing5517]

True

[@steveriley7331]

She's easy on the eyes

[@kneel1]

@@steveriley7331 yeah she sure is

[@chadettwein7667]

That sundress. Distracting to say the least

[@kiely4561]

Pretty and knows her history…she’s a keeper

[@matthewhodge2180]

The Bath Stone is mostly oolitic sandstone (limestone), made up of millions of small marine organisms (ooids), which indeed weather quite easily over the long term. Interestingly, the City Hall in Cape Town, South Africa (my home town) is built out of the same stone (imported from Bath nonetheless!). Fantastic doccie, thanks!

[@cathieblackburn2695]

I only P

[@matt7775]

Hi, I live right next to some of the old mines that supplied the stone to south Africa, and actually used to work in one. Even though it's called bath stone most of the mines are in the surrounding areas around Bath. Some are now owned by the minestry of defence and were converted to ammo factory's and nuclear fall out shelters, if you search BOX TUNNELS or mines there are loads of stuff to watch.

[@colbymarks8241]

Not to be a jerk, but oolitic limestone is not sandstone

[@adamanderson2408]

Awesome info 👌🏼

[@nawr494]

@@cathieblackburn2695 why... :(

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Alice Loxton and Dan Snow are my absolute favorite presenters on History Hit due to their enthusiasm for the subject, knowledge and -- in Dan's case -- intelligent questions that are asked during an interview.

[@skontheroad]

And that Dan Snow is hot!

[@Allannah_Of_Rome]

Same, same here! Alice reminds me of Mary B. Both have the same enthusiasm for history!!

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

and am born wiTh a ITaLy nobile Title in ITaly a? ordinary farmer wife = no Lady like The Lady Title of UK ThaTs very differenT

[@stephaniecowans3646]

@@skontheroad oh yeah.. . Definitely!!! 💯

[@JLneonhug]

KZbin algorithm took me here and was going to comment the same!

[@Locutus]

Wow! I loved Alice's presentation. Her enthusiasm and passion really showed. She was incredibly well spoken, and made it so entertaining to watch.

[@admatlydian]

Way better than anything on regular television. Entertaining and to the point. No commercials.

[@pilotgal6191]

I visited Bath in August, 1997. It was a rather warm August in Britain and the natural heat of the baths was much warmer than I expected. We didn’t go in the water, of course, but you could feel the heat from the water and the natural smell of the spring was quite interesting! After watching this, I dug out my pics just to remember that fabulous visit. This was a truly informative presentation with a fun, incredible guide! 😀

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

Quite interesting?? You mean it stinks to high heaven cos it’s eggy and tastes even worse. So annoying just say it’s gross

[@soupdragon151]

@@handsoffmycactus2958 contains sulfides, yeah. It comes from a long way underground so picks up a lot of minerals on teh way up

[@garydslug3209]

Thank you, Alice Loxton, for existing. Your enthusiasm is infectious, love it.

[@marklammas2465]

A bonny lass; lots of beguiling smiling, demonstrating a knowledgeable and infectious enthusiasm for history. More Alice, please! 😃

[@jackvphoenix8493]

I love the job that Alice did on this video. She combined information and humor with an energetic presentation.

[@alexisdetocqueville9964]

Back in 2015 I did a semester abroad in London (I'm American). One of the trips I took that stood out the most was going to Bath. Being in a nearly 2,000 year old structure that is STILL STANDING absolutely blew my mind, coming from a country which only goes back 300 years.

[@GardeninGrace]

I live in New England, and although not as visually “woah”, there’s really cool stone structures that native Americans made. Look into “prayer stones” they’re pretty cool.

[@ionicafardefrica]

it's not 2000 years old, it was build around 1890. They found the ruins of the original piping and flooring under the contemporary era buildings, bought the buildings, demolished them and rebuilt the replica you are looking at. With no roof and smaller. But yea, it's pretty.

[@davemiller6055]

@@ionicafardefrica There are 2000 year old Roman ruins in Britain and other places. In our modern world we can barely build build anything to last 50 years.

[@222smillyface]

This country goes back well beyond 300 years lol that’s just when the colonizers came and took over

[@soupdragon151]

Well the bath and the courtyard is roman but the buildings that enclose it are Georgian i.e. 18thC. The lead pipework and the lead sheets lining the bath are original roman it survived because in the post roman period the area became a swamp and the bath and floors etc were buried they were uncovered during the 18thC, any stonework standing above the surface was mostly quarried away - there was a barrel vaulted brick roof to the bath house building the remains of which can be seen at one end it collapsed at some point in the early medieval period. It did survive long enough for an anglo-saxon poet to allude to it in "The Ruin": on this bright burg of broad dominion. Stood stone houses; wide streams welled hot from source, and a wall all caught in its bright bosom, that the baths were hot at hall’s hearth; that was fitting … Thence hot streams, loosed, ran over hoar stone unto the ring-tank …. … It is a kingly thing

[@captainhoratiobungleiii7147]

One of my lecturers for my MSc in horrible diseases was the guy who found the Naegleria fowleri in the baths. He's put me off swimming in natural pools forever!

[@MsMesem]

If one thing doesn't get you something else will!

[@captainhoratiobungleiii7147]

@@MsMesem true, but I would prefer the something else that doesn't eat your brain.

[@googiegress7459]

It's really about tradeoffs. If you find bathing in natural pools unearthly and delightful, is it worth a not insignificant chance at a deadly illness? You may answer yes, partly because you doubt the probability or intensity of the infection. But consider that many people think natural pools, especially hot ones, are disgusting and wouldn't bathe in them even if it were 100% safe and you paid them. Saying that you'll die of something eventually, is just refusing to think about it and hoping it'll be all right. If you're going that route you might as well toss in a prayer to Minerva while you're at it, for all the good it'll do you.

[@braidena1633]

I don't swim where I can't see the bottom. Did go to a spring in colorado a long time ago where i could see the bottom. Also saw a good sized snake slither right into and nope'd for good

[@ThePdog3k]

I feel bad for people who are ruled by fear.

[@MrRnipperBrockleBroadcasting]

As an undergraduate I shared a house with an archaeology student who worked on the 1979/80 excavation under Barry Cunliffe after which much of the display and visitor experience you can visit today was created. Apparently yellow rubber bath ducks had a tendency to creep into photos of the excavations!

[@orelonsidney724]

Alice needs her own show!

[@georgevladimirovich7190]

Bath is one of the most elegant and interesting city in the world and it was both a pleasure and a privilege to visit it. As usual, the beauty and the charming clarity of English, defined as one of the best teaching languages in the entire world, is greatly emphasized throughout the entire presentation. A pleasure to watch you Alice.

[@StuSaville]

During the war the Luftwaffe bombed Bath as part of the Baedeker Blitz, a campaign to reduce British morale by targeting locations of cultural and historical significance. Crazy to think that this site could have been destroyed.

[@samright4661]

Yep the Allied Forces returned the Favor and “Bombed” the Shit out of “Berlin”

[@samright4661]

I think Pompeii got “Bombed “ By the “Allies”

[@martinsaunders2942]

Actually, the Germans bombed Bath because the Admiralty had been evacuated from London to the Empire Hotel, adjacent to The Pulteney Bridge, so Bath became a target. My great grandmother was dug out from under the ruins of he house after one of the raids. Subsequently, she moved to York Street..fifty yards from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

[@tosspot1305]

@@martinsaunders2942 Really? I thought it was retaliation for Dresden?

[@shable1436]

@@tosspot1305 that was the us doin the bombing, why would they retaliate with British civilians

[@nerfnerfification]

This is a fabulous and large Roman site - you get no idea from the few areas open to the public but there are huge excavated, and undergoing excavation, areas on either side of the large open bath. I visited it back in the 1960's several times and even still have a Roman coin found in the excavations (they used to sell them off to the public back then to raise money for more excavation) - it was suspected not only lead curses but coins got tossed into the fountain back in Roman times. But as well as the Baths, Bath has fantastic georgean era housing, antique shops, restaurants and other interesting things. Well worth a holiday there in my book.

[@paulashe61]

Georgian era wealth from Aztec silver plundered from the new world and slavery and sugar production.

[@nerfnerfification]

@@paulashe61 and?? don't forget the Brisith eventually outlawed slavery = more than the Aztecs ever did.

[@michaelbuck294]

and the round pool was an offering pool

[@vsznry]

She has the best short form content for history on the gram.

[@morticiagomez6166]

Top Tip for the day: A good Dress Code is KEY when presenting a show xx

[@jacobmarley2966]

And she nailed it.

[@SimonSozzi7258]

There was a news story recently where a man died from getting lake water up his nose from this same parasite. Best to avoid ponds and lakes during long hot summer heat waves. Scary stuff 😬

[@ginatirenna40]

Also recently, a woman using one of those nose flush things got the amoeba. From TAP WATER ! That’s also very scary 😅

[@katiekane5247]

Your actual risk is slight though. Amazing what people can be made afraid of & what they'll gladly ignore. One should remember that almost everything we see has an agenda behind it.

[@katiekane5247]

@@ginatirenna40 I must use nasal rinses daily. The availability of distilled water for this has become sketchy & it's price, while modest, has gone up exponentially.

[@phantomkate6]

@@katiekane5247 Neilmed instructions say you can use previously boiled water. I just leave the extra in the kettle when I make a cup of tea and then it's cool by the time I need it for a rinse.

[@ThePdog3k]

@@katiekane5247 Yeah, there's another guy in the comments who says he'll never swim in a natural pool again in his life.... but that same person probably drives his car on highways or many other things that are far more dangerous on a daily basis.

[@redhammer9910]

We took a European holiday with the theme of following the expansion of the Roman Empire starting our journey in Bath, it was absolutely amazing. The whole trip was just incredible and so much to learn and discover. Bath and the Roman Baths were a true wonder where you could imerce yourself in to some amazing history. Would do it all again at the drop of the hat.

[@krisbest6405]

A little jealous, from Canberra its a feat to get to Britain and see your sites, its in my bucket list.

[@Ellecram]

I visited Bath a few years ago and it was fabulous!

[@mazzy8216]

Visited with primary school, 40 + years ago, the teacher never covered any of this information, exceptional footage ,brings back memories..thanks

[@jjjones2244]

Bath sucks

[@kingcosworth2643]

@@krisbest6405 I'm from Canberra too and also jealous of the OP, must be something in the water here.

[@arcie3716]

Haruspex: a religious official in Ancient Rome who predicted the future or interpreted the meaning of events by examining the insides of birds or animals that had been sacrificed The whole concept of that job is so interesting to me. I also liked this video because it made me more curious about Bath. I first discovered the city when I was looking at colleges in England I could apply to and I came I across the town name. I just thought it was cool that a name of a town is just “Bath” and loved on with my life. But after watching this, I really want to go here. There’s so much history and it looks beautiful.

[@theshyguitarist]

Apparently, he couldn't predict the downfall of Roman civilization....could have fixed things before it happened.

[@jellofish1455]

There is a very weird anime on Roman baths. It actually teaches people a lot about Roman and Japanese springs, baths, and healing heat from the earth. Also it shows you a lot of architecture of the Roman baths.

[@i_need_a_nap3302]

I've seen it too, very entertaining series!

[@_thathoodwitch]

What anime? 👀

[@jellofish1455]

@@_thathoodwitch Thermae Romae. The dub is actually kinda good to

[@tsubakie1732]

I really love Alice's excited and bright vibe. She looks so interested and enthusiastic with all of these marvellous artifacts and stories

[@paavobergmann4920]

I am really interested in the History of the roman times, but Alice Loxton could probably read piles of shipping manifests to me and I would listen intently for hours. She´s a really great presenter.

[@vino140]

Alice is a disaster.

[@shable1436]

@@vino140 say the troll

[@user-oh6xq8lx3z]

God bless both you and whoever is reading, dont forget Jesus loves you. He died on the cross for our sins and rose three days later. Have an amazing and safe day!!

[@LadySugaZilla]

You have to love the enthusiastic presentation of history that Alice delivers, absolutely love this channel, tysm for the wonderful videos

[@ericgutierrez1274]

She was so enthusiastic and made this even more interesting, she did a fantastic job :) I loved how those two women were getting along so well too!

[@reclusa1379]

really interesting. loved the section where the actual pieces were being described (roof section, grinding wheel), diy fix, fascinating.

[@lovedaybebe5881]

I learnt to swim in those baths , in Bath . I can remember the smell of sulphur. I remember that poor little girl dying, and the water fountains ⛲️ I so loved drinking from being removed. I’m so glad we have the Thermae spa open to use now . I am biased , as it’s my home town , but I really recommend visiting . It’s an extraordinarily beautiful city . Remember to look up at all those gorgeous Georgian buildings .

[@paulnicholson1906]

I would recommend visiting too and it's not my hometown.....

[@harrylumley2851]

I'm jealous of both of you. One day one day I'll see aquae sulis with my own eyes lol.

[@shable1436]

Got any amebas in the brain yet?

[@wordscaninspire114]

Yes my in laws had learned to swim in the bath now closed to the public close to the new millennium spa... Wish I still lived and owned my little house in Fairfield Park ...my heart is in Bath 🌿💚🌿💚

[@lovedaybebe5881]

@@wordscaninspire114 that’s where I learnt to swim, sadly a Primark now 🙏 Bath is a special place for sure . Sending blessings your way

[@asa9528]

Have never watched a doc with Alice but now im OBSESSED! Love the enthusiasm and now im excited to learn about Rome in Britain!

[@AuntBecky1]

Isn’t she wonderful?! Pure enthusiasm.

[@rogink]

First time for me - only found this with good old YT algorithm! I'm a bit baffled that Alice can read Latin inscription but wasn't aware of the Latin for lead! Unless that was just for the benefit of the museum lady?

[@shable1436]

Yes she's fine too in a nerdy way

[@dutchplanderlinde8883]

@@shable1436 for real dude, she a stealth hottie

[@LordClunk]

I don't know if they still do it as its been 16 years since I last did it. But if you ask at the Roman baths to see the hidden underground bit, you can go into the tucked away part under roman baths where you can see the original road surface, and a few walls of some roman buildings, and you end up going out under the street outside where you can look up through the grates. There is much more to see but its been many years now and my memory isn't great. It really was fascinating to see. It cost nothing at the time, but we had a whip around for the tour guide (Brian was his name) and he ended up with £50 in his pocket for his troubles.

[@soupdragon151]

You can see the underground bits on a regular visit i.e. the original temple courtyard and some small shrines etc as well as the pediment shown in the video. Its strange being underground but there are houses and modern streets above wish they could be cleared away, ,but still

[@bforman1300]

Many diseases/ skin conditions in antiquity were misdiagnosed as leprosy. Had heard about the brain-eating amoeba problem. Good presentation.

[@michaelbuck294]

Wasn't leprosy a collect all term back in the day?

[@bforman1300]

@Michael Buck that's pretty safe to say, considering the failure of accuracy in differential diagnosis. Interestingly enough, leprosy itself really was very common in Europe during the Middle Ages, according to archeology and osteology studies. Mineral baths wouldn't help with that.

[@michaelbuck294]

@@bforman1300 I'm finding true history is far more interesting than what's fed in school. Quite a journey when you find things out that make so much more sense. I'm assuming that the majority of I'll health etc during these periods was poor nutrition, sanitation and living in ever expanding towns and settlements. A place we are fast heading back too.

[@bforman1300]

@Michael Buck certainly that didn't help. Most women died during the childbearing age, probably because midwives didn't know to wash their hands. As recently as 1904 the number 3 cause of death in the US was diarrhea due to lack of clean drinking water and people not washing their hands. But people were also dropping like flies from a host of diseases we never think of because we get vaccinated against them (diphtheria, pertussis, tuberculosis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, flu, malaria, etc) or can get treated for and cure - syphylis, tuberculosis (though there are drug resistant varieties of that) - and yes, they spread like crazy in dense population centers with poor sanitation. And infections aren't a big deal now due to antibiotics. When Tolkien says, "some wounds never truly heal," most people take it as a reference to PTSD, but he lived most of his life before antibiotics were available and meant it literally. We went to pieces over the quarantine, but even in my childhood quarantines were a fact of life. We take the privileges of modern Western medicine for granted, but in my parents' generation, childhood polio was a plague. Oh, and the all-time number 1 killer of humans was smallpox, which has been extinct since the 1970s except in a few labs. I did see a KZbin video about drowning being the number 4 cause of death during Tudor England due to people falling in while trying to dip water from streams with steep / slick banks and then not being able to get out due to waterlogged clothing.

[@michaelbuck294]

@@bforman1300 ah sorry you lost me as soon as you mentioned vaccinations and thus germ theory. That's a conversation we best avoid ;-)

[@oknuef]

What a great tour, really loved it! Would like to see more about the Roman period in Britain!

[@sylvainfalquet6350]

I studied there this summer! It's surreal seeing the host in all the same places I went to in the museum.

[@zzoa.]

This was so interesting, informative and the host was incredibly charming and passionate! Amazing content ☺️

[@samueldocski4426]

I went to Bath with my now wife, we loved it. Absolutely beautiful and such rich History.

[@josephkarl2061]

It's interesting to hear how the Romans weren't just conquerors and subjugators - they were more than happy to adapt what was already extant into something that suited their needs.

[@Kingwoodish]

American and Spanish colonists adopted native ways that suited their ends.

[@jacobmarley2966]

Most of the roman citizens that were in britain were northwestern europeans themselves.

[@louisavondart9178]

Indeed, after expropriating the land and killing anyone who dared to protest.

[@jonny-b4954]

@Batrick Pateman Hahah damn dude, hate the US or something? Did you seriously suggest people in the future wouldn't know about the USA? Literally the most drastically altering government in human history. The wealthiest, most powerful, by far the most influential (like leagues above Rome even in their own small perspective) yada yada yada. That's absurd. Nah, people of the future will know of both the USA and Rome. And who knows, US could go on a run as great as Rome. We surely are positioned well geographically and economically too.

[@zachjollimore4339]

@Batrick Pateman Thats objectively wrong, Millenia from now, they'll know the USA as the nation and civilization who nuked their own planet. Surely not a good thing to be known for.

[@jonathancollard3710]

Lovely to see such enthusiasm in a subject matter combined with engaging delivery of information. 👍🏻

[@MsCookiemonster0]

I visited Bath while living in the UK for 2 years back in 2001. Thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you for the recap of this beautiful place. Very informative. I loved the information from the museum expert talking on lead and stone. Very interesting. Just subscribed. Hello from Australia.

[@annapocalypsezero4719]

I am sure that bacteria could be dealt with but I bet money is the factor, a great historical momument and love the energy you guys bring to this stuff.

[@chestertouristcom]

Elf and Safety

[@Kelnx]

It's not that simple as it is n. Fowleri, an amoeba-like protozoa that is found in nearly all sources of warm fresh water and in moist warm soil. It's not a bacteria, and in fact eats bacteria. Usually it's harmless but it can (very rarely) get up the nose when swimming or bathing and make its way to the brain where it will start eating brain tissue. For this to happen, it has to manage to move along the olfactory nerve through a thin barrier to the brain in order to infect it...surviving long enough to do this. To point out how rare this is, over a 10 year period in the US, which is full of many popular warm lakes millions of people swim in during the Summer, 30 cases were reported. Compared to 40,000 drownings during the same time period, you can see how low risk it truly is. There's really no way to kill it off without chlorinating the water like a swimming pool. There's also no reason to do so. It's very rare for this to happen and unfortunate when it does, however it's an overreaction to shut down a specific swimming area for it, because all warm fresh water on the planet that isn't chlorinated is likely to have them. The only thing specific to this Bath is how warm it is might cause higher levels than normal, as they thrive in warmer water than competitor organisms do that eat the same bacteria. People should simply avoid getting water up the nose when in a warm freshwater lake, pond, etc. That's what nose clips are for.

[@Tuck-Shop]

Yeet a load of pool chlorine tablets into it.

[@SevCaswell]

there is a new Spa that uses water taken from a new borehole that is not contaminated, it's been open for nearly 20 years.

[@Kelnx]

@@SevCaswell The moment water is exposed to outside air, it begins to be contaminated. Much of the bacteria and protozoa that contaminate water are carried from soil by wind. Life is dangerous. People just need to accept that and move on. Use prevention when you can, but otherwise stop worrying about everything.

[@YoYoRaeRae]

Bath is one of my absolute favorite places I’ve visited in the world, and, I don’t say this often, I could LIVE there. I loved exploring the baths while there as well, and this history lesson is great.

[@charlesxix]

How about Rome?

[@YoYoRaeRae]

@@charlesxix, I’ve been to Rome many times, but I wouldn’t want to live there. Florence? Sure. Amalfi coast? Absolutely. But nah on Rome. I don’t even need to go back, if I’m honest. No disrespect to anyone who loves it, but it’s just not for me.

[@YoYoRaeRae]

@@charlesxix, but did you mean to visit? If you have a chance to visit, you should. So much history to see, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved The Vatican- just make sure you wear pants or long capris/skirt that covers your knees and have a cover for your shoulders. One of the times I was there I was denied because I was wearing shorts. It was ok because I’d already seen it, but it was a little bummer.

[@charlesxix]

@@YoYoRaeRae Hi, yes, visiting not to live there. My wife and I make sure we can cover up. We saw lots of young people getting refused access to St Peter's and the Vatican.

[@howardcoles3537]

I'd live there too if I could, Bath is my favourite city in the UK.

[@havingalook2]

So well presented, thank you. Alice you are a breath of fresh air for history. Many thanks indeed.

[@kashsres1064]

Absolutely love these history lessons and also in love with Alice. ☺️

[@MrUser1million]

Absolutely loved this! Thanks Alice and the team.

[@wendywobbles1]

You so remind me of a young MaryBeard you have the same passion for your subjects, love this channel

[@gavingreenhorn]

The presenter's wild energy and apparent fascination with the subject are contageous, reminds me of my uni ancient history teacher.

[@archer8492]

This was really interesting. I went to secondary school in Bath and my parents still live nearby, but my closest association with the Baths themselves is that I got married there in 2019 and they certainly make a gorgeous backdrop for such an event! We got some excellent pictures around the Great Bath itself and then had the dinner in the long balcony overlooking it (where Alice is walking from 23:06). We weren't offered the chance for a swim though, and now I know why.

[@zulimi]

You are a fantastic guide. I love your casual, knowledgable teaching style.

[@guillermoroa1356]

Cups of tea: The world's most British unit of measurement...

[@RitzOriginal1]

Went here on a school trip when i was younger, fascinating place and Bath is a lovely city also.

[@stannisb7693]

Alice is the best presenter on history hit

[@connorsalter5236]

I really like Alice, she always presents her videos in a exciting way.

[@pauline3379]

I wish it had been that empty and quiet when my daughter and I visited the baths in June. It was so crowded and noisy you could barely see anything or hear the audio tapes 🤣😂 So thank you for this video 😁

[@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim]

Imagine that, all those people doing what you were doing.

[@chicktait5544]

@@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim Stop it.

[@guymorris6596]

You visit after hours and can also do a paranormal activity investigation at the same time. Call out to the spirits present and learn about them.

[@soupdragon151]

Always best to visit outside the main tourist season I've visited in november and there was barely anyone there

[@basillah7650]

@@chicktait5544 No, you stop it not everyone gets a private tour the tourist groups go during opening hours it normal.

[@mathunt1130]

Every child who grew up in Bath knows about the legend of Bladud. One of my English teachers was called Lousie Loxton, oddly enough.

[@Mashley918]

Well done Alice! Looking forward to more of your hosting on the channel.

[@marycorzette6562]

History is amazing thank you all for all of your hard work!

[@Hi_I_am_Ed]

I love her presentation style a lot. She is very entertaining. Who would have guessed I'd watch a video about some roman bath in britain? Well now I did. :D

[@Tony-pk6ql]

You have so much fun doing these history videos, they are a delight to watch.

[@kellydiaz]

Yay! I love Alice so much! This was another great episode!

[@chelseymalkin5683]

I work in a spa as a spa therapist, and I find this most bizarre history moment, in ways we have moved on and in ways we really are exactly the same

[@christopherdoyle9074]

Never been Alice is brilliant I love her enthusiasm

[@midgeman90]

Love the videos that involve Alice!

[@canjim9949]

I really enjoyed your video! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@morenofranco9235]

Excellent virtual tour. Thanks, Alice.

[@utube4andydent]

In the 1960s my late father fell in the Roman Baths while cleaning them. The abbey bells are anti clockwise which is an oddity. I’ve rung them and I am proud to be born in Bath.

[@handsoffmycactus2958]

There’s videos of people jumping in the pool

[@utube4andydent]

@@handsoffmycactus2958 not great as it’s a bit slime filled. The Abby now has plans to be heated from the hot spring this could save a lot in heating bills.

[@jaygiles3434]

Can listen to Alice Loxton all day long . Such enthusiasm for history. And such a fantastic smile 😃

[@azigar]

She had so much fun and passion I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[@stannisb7693]

Alice is the Maddy Prior of history. I can imagine her singing Gaudete by Steeleye Span 😊

[@Mitters]

Bath is absolutely stunning! I have been there twice in my life, and it's such a beautiful city.

[@mattheweddy753]

Next time u visit go up the hills surrounding the city the views are beautiful

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

Nice to see more and more great female historians. No pandering they just know their stuff!

[@Queen-of-Swords]

We could club together and buy Alice a jumper, perhaps. 🙄 She doesn't seem to have many clothes!

[@oitoitoi1]

@@Queen-of-Swords she's rocking that summer dress, good for her!

[@lynnflynn5591]

@@Queen-of-Swords Maybe she's dressed for the weather. A heat wave, perhaps?

[@clarkpalace]

I assumed it was hot weather, but she too is hot. A bit funny the other lady has two layers. Its not that hot, alice is showing off!

[@theaxe6198]

@@clarkpalace if the other woman is inside cold air conditioning, she may have to wear a sweater - I have to often. Alice looked like she was outside a good bit. And she is easy on the eyes

[@topiasr628]

What a nice video. Very informative and well done!

[@paulchadwick4907]

Lovely video , brilliant to see all the amazing wonderful sights in Egypt 🇪🇬, not forgetting Curtis xx

[@patriciaduncan2146]

I swam in the big bath, the warm bath and the source hot tub in about 1960/61 at an event called Roman Rendezvous. We all wore togas and swimwear. There was a band and we danced in the waist high water i had my picture in the local paper.. A banquet was served up in the gallery. Shame all that is gone.

[@Jonofry93]

My home city ❤ There is a strong Roman history in the surrounding areas also. Farmers discovered a Roman villa whilst ploughing in an area which is now the airfield of nearby Colerne, there is also an estate called 'Roundbarrow Close' in Colerne, which when being built was discovered to have been a Roman burial site.

[@meme4one]

I live hear Bath and know Colerne fairly well... I've found a few roman coins on the hills around Bath. Beautiful city. Wasn't aware of the fate of Colerne barracks though 😒

[@Jonofry93]

@@meme4one i was born in Bath and have lived in colerne for the last 25 years. It is a massive shame about the barracks, it used to be such an active airfield when I was a boy too. We used to have air show days and regulary have hercules and chinooks flying in. I miss it. If they do go ahead with the housing ( I know it got turned down in a vote by the colerne population but wouldn't be surprised if it goes ahead with a few backhanders ) it will be interesting to see what else they uncover once building starts

[@MsMesem]

@Wallace Carney Sad to hear.

[@MsMesem]

@@Jonofry93 Hopefully enough to stop the project for a very long time. This is not a brown field!

[@CP-qx5zl]

Very informative video about Bath city. Enjoyed watching it.

[@pinballwizard6906]

Very enjoyable and great to see more about British history

[@karenwaddell9396]

There are several old spas in Ireland where they drink the water. Lisdoonvarna comes to mind.

[@hitormisshuh]

i love how she goes from "trendy hairstyles" to "sacrificial altars" real quick and just so nonchalantly like that 💀

[@dreamjewels]

What brilliant content and the commentary was the best I have heard.... well done and thank you

[@SatanClaus69]

Happy to find this gem of a channel. Good stuff!

[@HistoryHit]

Thanks Aaron!

[@everkief8365]

I'm not Roman but I dont allow people to swim in my bath as it is way too small. They can lay in it and kick slightly, if they like but they will go nowhere and if they kick too vigorously or swing their arms, it drenches the floor, therefore it is Strictly Ver Boten! Swimming in a bath? Who would do such a thing!?

[@annaverano5843]

😁🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@davidcreager1945]

Love to see someone who's enthusiastic and passionate about history !!! That makes it fun for people who are casually interested in the subject. Love learning about Roman Britain. Thanks for another awesome video 👍😀👍

[@jonnymdizzy7357]

This was very enlightening, thanks!

[@Stonewall1861]

Alice Loxton is by far one of favorite’s. Thank for the this information.

[@greghelms4458]

These are so great.

[@ib8628]

lol I think I got her joke at 0:13 I took 2 years of Latin and the textbook lessons always created a scenario where either "Quintus is heading to the *baths* " or "Quintus is heading to the market place". . . the textbook authors weren't that creative.

[@jellyfishattack]

Grumio hung around in the kitchen, Caecillius was usually in the forum. I loved the Cambridge Latin Course.

[@armingchampions8567]

You're more than an up and coming Historian! Excellent presentation. 🙂

[@luannnelson2825]

My BIL is a classics professor, and his specialty is curses/curse tablets etc. Sending it to him to enjoy!

[@tomjoslin1]

I love history and to watch and learn from a beautiful lady is a bonus ❤️

[@neyy679]

I was there four years ago but I absolutely fell in love with it - I have to visit it again!

[@stonermountin4881]

New here, it's hard to find good history channel for my Autism and you crushed it. Keep it up

[@gaius_enceladus]

Ahh, amoebic meningitis. That amoeba is in a few hot pools here in NZ too so it's a good idea to keep your head out of the water when in hot pools. A number of public hot pools have warning signs about this. In spite of this, I've seen morons (almost always young people) diving in head-first.

[@Shmerpy]

Guilty as charged. At the holiday camp in Rotorua, some years ago

[@myra0224]

As someone who barely survived a meningitis, I really hope they won't have to learn it the hard way ://

[@sandal_thong8631]

24:36 Why is swimming banned?

[@Velthur]

@@sandal_thong8631 Danke !

[@kylekelly1167]

@@sandal_thong8631 thanks

[@nancyM1313]

❤ shows with Alice!

[@dyscotopia]

All this talk of goddesses and some fascinating history and unexpected facts delivered by a living goddess herself. Thanks Alice! ☺️

[@crewmax4240]

Excellemt video. What a beautiful treasure. The baths looked cool, too!

[@patricialong5767]

Simply fascinating! I live in the USA, but I've always been dazzled by Roman history and architecture and am a real Anglophile and I have always wondered about this history of Bath. Now I know. Thank you!

[@flyingphobiahelp]

So you’re one of the few Yanks who don’t believe the world began in 1776 😂😂😂😂

[@beautybooks563]

@@flyingphobiahelp you’ll offend a lot of Americans by calling us all yanks/Yankees where I come from that’s an insult 😂😂