Pompeii Excavation Reveals 'Once-in-a-Century' Private Bath Complex Used by Elite Romans 2,000 Years Ago

Jan 17, 2025, 01:52 PM

Archaeologists have unearthed a large and sophisticated private 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 by Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological park, was made during excavations of a home on Via di Nola in the Regio IX district. The bathhouse, potentially the largest of its kind found in a private residence in Pompeii, features hot, warm, and cold rooms, and could accommodate up to 30 people. It is connected to a banquet hall adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. The complex, built 2,000 years ago, is believed to have been used by elite Romans to entertain guests, showcasing their wealth and social status. The excavation also revealed the remains of two individuals who perished during the eruption, highlighting the tragic fate of Pompeii's inhabitants.