hypocaust - Roman Empire Times

A possible representation of an Ancient Roman citizen dealing with the heat by splashing water on his face from a city fountain

Roman Empire Historical Facts

How the Romans Kept Cool: Surviving a Heatwave with Ancient Strategies

From shaded courtyards to the cooling splash of impluviums, Romans designed their homes to fight the summer heat. Long before air conditioning, they used architecture to live with the sun—not against it.

A possible representation of a group of Ancient Romans gathering around the heat of a brazier during an autumn night

Roman Empire Historical Facts

How did Romans Keep Warm? The Ingenious Heating Systems of Ancient Rome

Central heating, solar power and windows that let the sun get into their buildings. The Romans found a way to keep warm during the winter.

View of the Great Bath, part of the Roman Baths complex, a site of historical interest in the city of Bath, England

Roman Empire Historical Facts

Ingenious Warmth: How Romans Heat their Baths with the Hypocaust System

The Romans heated the water in their baths using a hypocaust system, which circulated hot air from a furnace beneath the floors and through the walls.