Thermae Romae Novae Season 1 Episode 1 All Baths Lead to Rome

In Thermae Romae Novae season 1 episode 1, titled "All Baths Lead to Rome," the audience is introduced to Lucius Modestus, a Roman bathhouse architect struggling to find inspiration for his designs in the year 128 BC. Lucius spends his days visiting various public baths in the city of Rome, hoping to be struck with a brilliant idea that will impress his clients and secure his reputation as a prominent architect.

One day, while relaxing in a hot spring, Lucius suddenly finds himself transported to modern-day Japan. Confused and disoriented, he stumbles upon a modern Japanese bathhouse and is amazed by its advanced technology and innovative design. The people of Japan, on the other hand, are surprised to see a strange, naked man emerge from the bath and quickly whisk him away to a research facility.

There, Lucius is introduced to an anthropologist named Satsuki and her team, who are studying the ancient Roman baths. They are just as astounded by Lucius' sudden appearance as he is by their modern technology, and they quickly realize that they have stumbled upon a remarkable phenomenon. With the help of Satsuki's team, Lucius learns about the many innovations and conveniences that have been developed in Japanese baths since his time in ancient Rome, and he is thrilled by the possibilities that this new knowledge presents.

As Lucius begins to integrate Japanese bath technology into his own designs, he quickly gains popularity and success in his home city of Rome, impressing even the emperor himself with his innovative new designs. However, with his newfound success comes a difficult decision – should he continue to incorporate modern Japanese technology into his work, even if it means betraying his Roman heritage?

The first episode of Thermae Romae Novae is a delightful blend of comedy, history, and cultural exchange. The fish-out-of-water premise sets the stage for plenty of laughs, as Lucius navigates the unfamiliar world of modern Japan with charming naivete. However, the episode also has a serious side, as Lucius struggles to reconcile his loyalty to his Roman heritage with his fascination with Japanese technology.

The show's animation is impressive, particularly in its attention to detail in recreating ancient Roman bathhouses and modern Japanese bathhouses alike. The character designs are fun and expressive, and the use of both English and Latin in the Roman scenes adds a nice touch of authenticity. The voice acting is also noteworthy, with the cast expertly balancing the show's comedic and serious moments.

Overall, "All Baths Lead to Rome" sets up a fascinating premise for the series, with plenty of room for exploration and growth. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, comedy, or cultural exchange, Thermae Romae Novae is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.