Roman Brick

Name/Title

Roman Brick

Entry/Object ID

499

Acquisition

Source (if not Accessioned)

James MacAlister, Philadelphia

Notes

Date: 1894 Means of Accession: gift

Made/Created

Artist

Unidentified

Place

Country

Italy

Continent

Europe

Dimensions

Height

1 in

Width

6-1/2 in

Depth

4-1/2 in

Material

Earthenware, Terracotta

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Exhibition Label

Label

Roman bricks were longer, wider and thinner than modern day bricks, making them highly durable. The empire relied heavily on bricks for the construction of various infrastructures, and the manufacture of bricks became an important part of the economy after the first century BCE. This brick comes from a Roman Bath, a building used for athletic recreation, washing and socializing. The Romans recognized the important role exercising and bathing played in good health. Regardless of social or economic class, visiting the bathhouses after work was an integral part of the day where men of all social standings would mix together freely.