Calcarium

/kælˈkɛːriəm/ noun

Definition

In Roman architecture, a heated room in a bathhouse where hot water or steam was available.

Etymology

From Latin 'calcarius' (relating to heat or lime), derived from 'calx' (heel, heat source). The room was heated by furnaces, and the term was used for the hottest bathing chamber in Roman baths.

Kelly Says

Roman emperors would spend hours in the calcarium perfecting their politics—because nothing loosens the tongue and builds alliances quite like sweating together in a 140-degree room!

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