Smintheion Roman Bath Heating System

Abstract

This article examines the application and variations of underfloor and wall heating systems used in the caldarium (hot room) and tepidarium (warm room), which are the main spaces of Roman baths, in the Smintheion Roman bath. Another significant point is that baths, which are frequently encountered in sacred areas, were used for a long time at Smintheion by rebuilding and repairing the destroyed bathhouse. The variations and types of tegula mammata, known as an early form used in wall heating, were evaluated for dating the bath. The phases of the Smintheion bath, which was excavated between 2008 and 2011 and used from the early 1st century AD to the 4th century AD, constitute a different example in terms of the continuity of baths in sacred areas.