Final answer:
Bathhouses were constructed in various forms throughout history, from the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro around 2500 BCE to Roman times in Pompeii, up to the luxurious 8th-century Islamic bathhouses, and even serving as hidden communal spaces in 19th-century vice districts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The construction of bath houses varied across different civilizations and time periods. For instance, we know of a purpose-built brothel from the Roman empire in Pompeii, which likely operated similarly to a bathhouse, dating back to the first century AD. Additionally, the Great Bath of Mohenjo-Daro, part of the Indus Valley civilization, is one of the earliest known public baths and dates back to around 2500 BCE. This bath was designed with efficiency notably similar to modern sewer systems.
In the context of Islamic architecture, luxurious bathhouses such as those at Qusayr 'Amra in Jordan, which date to the 8th century, indicate that bathing facilities were complex and integral to courtly life. Conversely, in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, as reflected by Madame Chambers' recounting of her experiences in Kansas City, bathhouses could also be clandestine meeting spots in vice districts offering privacy and safety for marginalized communities.
The construction and use of bathhouses have therefore ranged from public bathing facilities in ancient civilizations to more private and sometimes secret establishments in more recent history, adapting to the cultural and social needs of the time.