This open courtyard surrounded on three sides by a covered portico is the palaestra of the Stabian Baths. Archeologists believe parts of this structure were constructed during the 4th century BC. It remained the only therme in Pompeii until the first century BC. However, by 79 AD, there were at least seven public baths. This suggests spas were becoming increasingly popular among the Romans during the first century. This trend coincides with the building of more aqueducts at the time of the eruption.
