clipeus
Isaac Kremer/ January 14, 2018/ / 0 comments
An apparatus employed to regulate the temperature of a laconicum or ancient Roman vapor bath; consisted of a hemispherical metal plate suspended by chains under an opening in the dome of the ceiling at the circular end of the caldarium; by raising or lowering of the plate, the amount of cold air permitted to enter was controlled, thus regulating the temperature. 2. An ornamental disk of marble or other material, in the shape of a shield, often sculptured in relief, hung in the intercolumniations of the atria of Roman dwellings. (Harris, 1977)
