praefurnium

PRAEFURNIUM = A type of ancient Roman heating system or furnace. In Roman architecture and engineering, the praefurnium was a preheating chamber or furnace used to provide heat for various purposes, such as heating rooms in large buildings, heating water for baths, or even in industrial processes. A praefurnium would often be located outside a building, and hot air or gases generated in the furnace would be directed through channels or flues into the rooms or areas that needed heating. These systems were a precursor to the more complex and sophisticated heating systems used in Roman bathhouses and villas, and they played a significant role in providing comfort and warmth in Roman structures during the colder months. The design and complexity of praefurnia could vary depending on the specific application and the technology available at the time. They were an essential part of Roman engineering and contributed to the overall functionality and luxury of Roman architecture.