sudatorium

A sudatorium was a room in ancient Roman baths designed for sweating. It was typically a small, enclosed space with high ambient temperatures, often heated by a hypocaust system. The intention was for users to perspire heavily before moving to other parts of the bath complex, such as the tepidarium (warm room) or caldarium (hot room). Some sources describe the sudatorium as having a very dry heat, though others suggest it could also be humid.

The design of a sudatorium varied, but it generally featured smooth, often tiled walls and floors to facilitate cleaning after use. Unlike modern saunas, which are typically made of wood, Roman sudatoria were constructed from materials like brick and stone. The purpose was primarily for cleansing the body and preparing it for further bathing rituals. It was a transitional space, designed to induce a significant sweat before moving on to the more intense heat of the caldarium or the cooling effects of the frigidarium. The practice of using a sudatorium was an integral part of the comprehensive bathing experience enjoyed by Romans.