What were the bathhouses in ancient Rome called?

Bathhouses in ancient Rome were primarily referred to as "Thermae." These were large and luxurious public bathing complexes that often included not just bathing areas but also facilities for socializing, exercising, and relaxation. The thermae were designed to cater to the needs of the public, offering a variety of heated pools, steam rooms, and areas for physical activities like wrestling and ball games. Examples of well-known thermae include the Baths of Caracalla and the Baths of Diocletian, which served as significant social and cultural centers in Roman life.

The term "Balneae" refers to smaller, private bath facilities that were often found in houses or as smaller public baths, contrasting with the grandeur of thermae. The "Stabiae" pertains to a different context, referring to a town famous for its luxurious villas and proximity to the Bay of Naples, rather than to bathhouses. "Valvae" means doors or portals and is unrelated to bathing facilities in ancient Rome. Thus, thermae is the most accurate term to describe the large, complex facilities used for bathing in ancient Roman society.