ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hypocaust

A hypocaust is an ancient heating system that was used to keep Roman buildings warm. It worked by making hot air flow through underfloor channels and around the walls of a room. To heat up the air, a fire was built outside the building and the heat was carried into the building by a system of pipes and vents. The hot air would then circulate around a room and rise through the walls and floors, making the room nice and warm.