Lavish 2,000-year-old bathhouse revealed in new Pompeii excavation
Pompeii, an ancient Roman city that was buried by ash and lava in AD 79, continues to reveal its treasures to archaeologists. The latest discovery is a private bathhouse that was built 2,000 years ago. This bathhouse is adorned with luxurious mosaics and features a series of hot, warm, and cold rooms, resembling a modern spa.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the Pompeii archaeological park, described this newly unearthed bathhouse as perhaps the largest thermal complex in a private house in Pompeii. He explained that the ruling class of Pompeii would often host banquets in their homes to create consensus, promote election campaigns, and close deals. These gatherings were also an opportunity for the wealthy inhabitants to showcase their opulent lifestyle and indulge in a relaxing thermal treatment.
The bathhouse was discovered in the Regio IX area of Pompeii, which is still largely unexplored. Recent excavations in this area have also uncovered a bakery, a laundry shop, two villas, and the remains of three individuals who perished during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
At the time of the volcanic eruption, Pompeii was home to approximately 13,000 people and is situated about 23 kilometers southeast of Naples. The excavation of the bathhouse revealed dusty walls decorated with red, black, and yellow stripes, as well as a large rectangular basin with stone steps or seats in the corner.
Zuchtriegel noted that the wealthy residents of Pompeii would often bathe before hosting banquets, and the private spa complex allowed them to do so within the comfort of their own homes. The bathhouse could accommodate around 30 people and featured a calidarium (warm room) and a large tub with cold water, providing a complete thermal experience.
As Pompeii continues to unveil its ancient secrets, each discovery sheds new light on the daily lives and customs of its inhabitants. The preservation of these historical sites allows us to glimpse into the past and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of this once-thriving city.
