These stacks of stones supported a floor. Warm water flowed around the stones to heat the (missing) floor above so the room was like a sauna. There was an arched inlet and another for water return.
The floor is worn from heavy Roman foot traffic. They had to wear sandals as the stones were too warm to walk on barefoot.
Originally, this pool area was covered and the support was three times as big to hold the ceiling.
Last night I went to the modern-day Roman Baths. I enjoyed time in the open-air, roof-top pool and another warm pool at a lower level. There were many teens & 20 year olds and older people. The facility had a restaurant, massages, saunas, etc.
Awesome!
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