What was the purpose of a fullonica in ancient Rome?

A fullonica in ancient Rome was primarily a laundry facility. Its main purpose was to clean and process clothing, particularly woolen garments, which were essential in Roman society. The process involved soaking garments in water and using special cleaning agents like urine, which served as a source of ammonia for effective stain removal. Workers known as "fullones" operated these establishments, ensuring that clothes were not only washed but also treated and finished to meet the standards of cleanliness expected in Roman culture.

While other options, such as public gathering spaces or bathing facilities, were vital aspects of ancient Roman life, they do not pertain to the specific function of a fullonica. Wool production is more closely associated with textile manufacturing rather than the cleaning and maintenance of finished garments, which is at the heart of what a fullonica provided.