hypocaust
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Part of the hypocaust system at Housesteads fort
on Hadrian's Wall
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A form of furnace used by the Romans for the purpose of heating baths and
apartments; the word comes from the Greek hupo, meaning underneath,
and kaio, meaning heat. The furnace was placed in a chamber beneath
the floor, and the heated air and products of combustion were made to circulate
round the walls and under the floor by means of hollow tubes or a hollow
lining, and were also carried pipes to other rooms. The floors were supported
by pillars to leave the necessary space.
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