Which facility in Roman bathing culture would be used before entering a hot bath?

The laconicum was a crucial facility in Roman bathing culture, functioning primarily as a dry sauna or a hot room. It was used by bathers before they entered the tepidarium (warm room) and eventually the caldarium (hot bath). The high temperature of the laconicum helped to prepare the body for the intense heat of the caldarium, promoting sweating and relaxation. This sequential bathing process was an essential part of the Roman bathing experience, as it encouraged cleanliness and social interaction.

On the other hand, the natatio refers to the swimming pool area within the bath complex, which was typically filled with cool water for relaxation after the heated baths. The hortus is a garden that could be found in or near a bath complex, providing outdoor space for visitors, while the peristyle is an architectural feature, often a colonnaded courtyard that might surround the bath complex but is not specifically related to the bathing process itself. These facilities had their own distinct functions but did not serve as preparatory spaces for hot baths like the laconicum did.