What was a notable feature of bathhouses in Ancient Rome?

A notable feature of bathhouses in Ancient Rome was the separation of baths for men and women. This design element reflects the social norms and cultural practices of the time, where public baths served as important communal spaces for hygiene, relaxation, and socializing. By having separate facilities, the Romans were able to maintain a level of modesty and privacy appropriate to their values, ensuring that both genders could enjoy the baths while adhering to the societal expectations surrounding gender interactions.

The other features mentioned are not characteristic of Roman bathhouses; for instance, while oils were indeed used for various purposes in Roman bathing, there was no strict requirement that only natural oils be employed. Additionally, there was no mandate for daily attendance; while baths were popular and frequented, visiting them was a personal choice rather than a civic obligation. Lastly, electronic heating of water was not a feature of ancient bathhouses, as modern heating technologies did not exist at that time. The Romans did employ sophisticated systems like hypocausts to heat the floors and water, but this was achieved through combustion rather than electricity.