Archaeological publications and expert analyses

Largest Ever 2,000-Year-Old Thermal Complex Unearthed in Pompeii

Jan 17, 2025, 02:18 PM

Archaeologists have unearthed a large and sophisticated thermal bath complex in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The discovery, described as a 'once-in-a-century' find, was made within a private residence in the Regio IX area of the city. The bathhouse, potentially the largest of its kind found in a private home in Pompeii, features a series of rooms including a hot room, a warm room, and a cold room with a large plunge pool. The complex is connected to a banquet hall, suggesting that the residence served as a venue for social gatherings and displays of wealth among the city's elite. The excavation also revealed the remains of two individuals who perished during the eruption, highlighting the tragic fate of Pompeii's inhabitants. The bathhouse, dating back 2,000 years, could accommodate up to 30 guests and was adorned with gold coins, pearl earrings, and scenes from Greek mythology.