The Roman Invention of Underfloor Heating
The ancient Roman empire's obsession with luxury was sparked by the ingenious invention of underfloor heating, known as the hypocaust.
Beneath the mosaic floors of Roman villas, this system transformed warmth into a mark of power.
While Roman engineering is often associated with grand feats like aqueducts, amphitheatres, and paved roads, the hypocaust remains a notable feature of Roman domestic life.
The hypocaust system is really important for us to think about when we consider Roman homes
According to Dr Hannah Platts, archaeologists still point to the distinctive stacks of bricks beneath villa floors as a mark of Roman sophistication.
Author's summary: Romans invented underfloor heating.