Baths buildings are one of the most widespread Roman constructions even in the empire's outlying regions (fig. 1), indicating adjustment to the custom coming from the centre, Rome.

Fig. 1 - Public and private Baths in Sardinia (from Rowland 1981 fig. 3, re-worked by C. Tronchetti).

In Sardinia we have Baths exploiting natural thermal waters (Fordongianus, Sardara) and those using non thermal water, heating it. Naturally, in these cases the function is not curative, but simply for personal hygiene. 

Baths are characteristic of urban centres, where they are usually one of the best preserved and most flashy monuments (figs. 2-4), but are also widespread in the country area, in both the villae and in villages.

Fig. 2 - Porto Torres, Terme c.d. Palazzo di Re Barbaro (Da Mastino-Vismara 1994, frontespizio)

Fig. 3 - Nora, Terme a Mare (foto Teravista, courtesy Gianni Alvito).

Fig. 4 - Tharros, Terme di Convento Vecchio (da Acquaro-Finzi 2004, p. 55).