Watch Thermae Romae Novae

Thermae Romae Novae is a lovingly-crafted Netflix original anime series, released in 2022, that straddles the enchanting gap between comedy and historical fiction. Stemming from Mari Yamazaki's acclaimed manga and anime series of the same name, the new adaptation carries forward the legacy while injecting it with 21st-century animation techniques and production values.

The series revolves around Lucius, a Roman architect from the reign of Emperor Adrian, who happens to be obsessed with the Roman tradition of bathhouses, also known as 'thermae.' Championing the noble art of bath engineering, Lucius always strives to create the ultimate relaxing environment for his fellow Romans. His passion for bathhouses and his dedication to improving his craft submerge him in unexpected time travel, whisking him away to modern-day Japan.

Thermae Romae Novae is a mesmerizing interplay between two time periods, offering the audience a juxtaposition of the grandeur of ancient Roman culture and the bustling serenity of contemporary Japan. The series skillfully leverages this contrast to deliver comedy, insight into differing cultures' ways of life, and an understanding of the rich traditions of baths in both societies.

The new iteration energizes the screen with vivid colors and finely detailed visuals that bring both ancient Rome and modern Japan to life. It skillfully combines the appeal of anime with architecture, culture, and history, producing a unique concoction that is both informative and entertaining.

Lucius Modecatus Firmus, our protagonist, is a hardworking and charismatic character whose love for Roman baths is unparalleled. He, however, constantly struggles to come up with new ideas to maintain his relevance as an architect in the constantly evolving world of thermae. His world changes when he discovers a hidden tunnel in a bath that takes him to a contemporary Japanese bathhouse.

Lucius is taken aback by Japan's sophisticated bathhouse culture

Thermae Romae Novae is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between March 27, 2022 and on Netflix