Archaeologists have unearthed a lavish private bath complex in PompeiiThis highlights the wealth and grandeur of the ancient Roman city before it was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the site said Friday.
The baths, with hot, hot and cold rooms, can accommodate up to 30 guests, allowing them to relax before heading to an adjacent black-walled banquet room decorated with scenes from Greek mythology.
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The pleasure complex is located in a grand residence uncovered over the past two years during excavations that have revealed the multifaceted social life of the opulent city. before Vesuvius buried it under a thick, suffocating blanket of ash.
A central courtyard with a large basin adds to the splendor of the house, which was believed to have been owned in recent years by a member of Pompeii’s elite.
“This discovery underlines how Roman houses were more than private residences, they were stages for public life and self-promotion,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
The private thermal baths complex discovered by archaeologists in a villa of the ancient city of Pompeii is seen in Pompeii, Italy, in this undated handout photo released January 17, 2025. (Pompeii Archaeological Park/Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism/Handout via REUTERS)
Zuchtriegel said the layout was reminiscent of scenes from the Roman novel “The Satyricon,” where banquets and baths were central to displaying wealth and status.
The complex is decorated with frescoes and is inspired by Greek culture, with an emphasis on themes of leisure and erudition.
“The homeowner tried to create a spectacle by transforming their home into a Greek-style palace and gymnasium,” Zuchtriegel said.
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Excavations in Pompeii have found the remains of more than a thousand victims, including two bodies in the private residence with the bathhouse: a woman between 35 and 50 years old, holding jewelry and coins, and a younger man.
The discovery of their bodies was announced last year.
