Thermae Romae Novae Season 1 Episode 4 Lucius Builds an Indoor Bath

Lucius, the skilled architect from ancient Rome, travels forward in time once again, and this time he's fascinated by something he's never seen before: an indoor bath. It's not just the concept of bathing inside that intrigues him, but the intricate mechanics that allow the water to flow and be heated, and all the different stations one can find.

Lucius takes notes and sketches as he explores this new world, studying the different types of indoor baths, ranging from basic models to luxurious, multi-level installations. He's impressed by the various heating and pumping systems, which he's never seen before, and he makes sure to jot down as much information as possible.

As he wanders around, Lucius encounters a young boy who's been sent to the bathhouse to fetch hot water for his mother, who's giving birth. When the boy realizes that Lucius is from ancient Rome, he starts asking him all sorts of questions, from how they used to bathe back then to what they ate and wore. Lucius, charming as always, regales the boy with stories of his own time and is almost sad to see him go.

Despite the allure of the new technology on display, Lucius finds himself missing the simplicity of the ancient Roman baths. To him, there's an elegance in simplicity, and the idea of bathing in natural light and fresh air is much more appealing than being cooped up inside a stuffy room. But then he discovers that some of the baths are built to incorporate outdoor elements, like a view of the sea, or even a garden. This excites Lucius, as he realizes that the possibilities are endless.

Before he knows it, Lucius has spent an entire day at the bathhouse, soaking in the steam and learning everything he can about this amazing new technology. As he prepares to take the time-traveling portal back to his own time, he promises himself that he'll incorporate some of these ideas into the baths he designs.

In this episode of Thermae Romae Novae, viewers are treated to a fascinating look at the intersection of history and modernity. As Lucius marvels at the ingenuity of the indoor bath and learns about the many ways in which it can be improved, we're reminded of the eternal human quest for comfort and relaxation. The episode is both educational and entertaining, and, as always, Lucius is a charming and engaging protagonist. Fans of the show won't want to miss this one!