If you enjoy the feeling of toasty toes when you get out of bed or step out from your morning shower, you have the homes of the ancient Romans to thank. They developed the ‘hypocaust system’, which circulates hot air via pipes beneath the floorboards of a room to keep you warm.

In fact, the earliest system on record looks likely to have been installed at the temple of Ephesus in 350 BC. And there we were, thinking this upgrade was the height of modernity. Pictured is the remains of the underfloor air heating system of the Roman public baths of the ancient city of Scythopolis.

These iconic home items are older than you think