Thermae Romae Novae

Lucius Modestus, a bathhouse architect in ancient Rome, has fallen into a creative rut so severe that he’s left searching for work. Hoping to lift his spirits, friends bring him to a public bath to unwind, but the crowds only frustrate him. When he ducks beneath the water, he discovers a hidden passage that sweeps him into an unexpected destination: a modern Japanese bathhouse—along with the spark of inspiration he’s been missing.

Armed with ideas far beyond his era, Lucius returns to Rome determined to adapt what he’s seen using the limited tools and materials of his time. His results don’t always match the originals, but the novelty and cleverness of his designs may be enough to win over the public and restore his standing as an architect.