What is the caldarium in Roman baths?

The caldarium in Roman baths is a key component of the bathing complex and is specifically designed as the hot or sweating bath chamber. This area was characterized by high temperatures, which were typically achieved through the use of hypocaust systems, where hot air generated by a furnace circulated beneath the floors and within the walls. The caldarium was essential for the bathing experience, as it allowed visitors to relax and purify themselves through sweating, which was considered beneficial for health and well-being.

The significance of the caldarium lies in its role within the larger system of Roman baths, which typically included various other facilities such as the frigidarium (cold bath) and tepidarium (warm bath), each serving different purposes in the bathing process. The alternating use of these spaces was integral to Roman bathing rituals, emphasizing the culture's approach to hygiene, relaxation, and socialization.