Piped-water shower (Greek baths)
Ducha de agua canalizada (baños griegos)
- Date
- c. 500 BCE · confidence medium
- Place
- Athens, Attica, Greece
- Credited to
- Greek cities
- Field
- Tools
What it is
A pipe that lets water fall onto the bather, shown on Attic vases around 500 BC and present in Greek gymnasia and public baths. It is the earliest organised shower for which there are images.
The evidence comes mostly from vase paintings; remains of piped installations are scarce and their interpretation is debated.
What it led to
- personal hygiene in gymnasia and public baths
- tubs and showers in Roman baths
- forerunner of the modern shower