The origins of the steam bath come from the Roman bath, which began during the height of the Roman Empire. Ancient Roman baths served many community and social functions within Roman society. Many citizens in Rome used Roman public baths, regardless of socioeconomic status. These Roman baths were supplied by natural hot springs from beneath the ground.[1] Archaeological works at the monastic complex in the Makurian city of Hambukol, has revealed the possible use of one of its rooms as a steam bath.[2]
Today, natural steam baths still exist, and often still use similar systems that the Romans used, which contain pipes and pumps that bring water up and into the large pool areas, wherever the natural springs exist. Heaters are also now used to maintain warm temperatures in the baths.
There are many types of steam baths, which are different from saunas. (Both are hot, but the steam in a sauna is created by throwing water on a stove.)
^Welsby, Derek (2002). The Medieval Kingdoms of Nubia. Pagans, Christians and Muslims along the Middle Nile. The British Museum. p. 172. ISBN0714119474.
