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The furnace would be stoked by a slave (or team of slaves in larger bath-houses), producing tremendous heat that would flow beneath the hollow stone floor, heating it in the
In Roman life, the bath-house was not only a sanitary necessity, but the buildings also served as centers of commerce and social life. In a way, bath-houses were also centers of athletic activity. Romans typically exercised in bath-house's courtyard before hitting the baths. Usually they would get skin scrapings and oiled massages to rid themselves of excess dirt (soap had not been invented yet) in the tepidarium, then plunge into a hot bath in the caldarium. Most proceeded to the frigidarium, slipping into a smaller, usually circular tub or pool filled with COLD water. Many Romans relaxed in the large warm pool of the tepidarium, some sticking around to take advantage of the vendors set up on the premises or conversing with friends before returning home. For the ancient Romans, bath-time was usually a complicated half-day affair.
This drawing depicts my vision of a scaled-down 'personal' Roman-style bath-house, perfect for your backyard. Instead of a basement large enough to house a slave or two, a more efficient natural gas furnace and separate water heater are utilized. Yes, the building is equipped with modern amenities -electricity, a toilet concealed in a wooden dresser-type cabinet along the back wall, L.E.D. emergency exit signs and gas lamps on the walls. Neat to have in one's backyard, huh?
