Announcements or reports from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii or related archaeological publications

Largest Private Bathhouse in Pompeii Unearthed, Showcasing 2,000-Year-Old Roman Luxury

Jan 17, 2025, 02:50 PM

Archaeologists have unearthed a large and sophisticated private bathhouse in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, marking a 'once-in-a-century' discovery. The bathhouse, believed to be the largest of its kind found within a private residence in Pompeii, was discovered in a home on Via di Nola in the Regio IX district. It features a series of hot, warm, and cold rooms, along with a changing room, and could accommodate up to 30 people. The complex is connected to a banquet hall, suggesting it was used by the elite to entertain guests and display their wealth and social status. The discovery sheds light on the luxurious lifestyle of Pompeii's wealthiest residents before the city was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Among the findings were gold coins and pearl earrings, according to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, who noted that the bathhouse was built over 2,000 years ago.