Thermae thieves and pickpockets were known to frequent the baths. The changing room was known as the "apodyterium" (from Greek "apodyterion" from "apoduein" "to take off"). In many ways, baths were the ancient Roman equivalent of community centres. Because the bathing process took so long, conversation was necessary. Many Romans would use the baths as a place to invite their friends to dinner parties, and many politicians would go to the baths to convince fellow Romans to join their causes. The thermae had many attributes in addition to the baths. There were libraries, rooms for poetry readings, and places to buy
International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities sports and leisure infrastructure. The IAKS regularly holds seminars on the following subjects: Synthetic Turf and Synthetic Sports Surfaces Ice Maker Training Artificial Ice Rink Management Conference and Pools The IOC/IAKS Award is the only international architecture award for sports and leisure facilities already in successful operation. The Award has been conferred upon exemplary well designed and also functionally outstanding sports facilities every two years since 1987. The winning facilities can be newly erected or extended or modernized existing buildings. The sponsors of the competition are the IOC and the IAKS. Together with the IPC, the IAKS also awards the