What type of bath is typically the warmest in Roman bathing tradition?

In Roman bathing tradition, the caldarium is considered the warmest bath. This is because the caldarium is specifically designed to be a hot bath, typically featuring heated water and steam. It was an essential part of the Roman thermal bath experience, often serving as the focal point for relaxation and socialization.

The structure of the caldarium usually included heated floors and walls made of materials that could retain warmth, such as marble. Patrons would enter this area to enjoy the high temperatures, which were meant to promote sweating and cleansing of the body.

In contrast, the tepidarium serves as a warm bath, but its temperatures are not as high as those in the caldarium. The frigidarium is meant for cold bathing and is associated with plunging into cold water to invigorate the body. The unctorium is not specifically a bath but a room for oiling, used in the process of anointing after bathing. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why the caldarium stands out as the hottest option in Roman bathing culture.