Unearthing luxury: New Pompeii baths reveal social intrigue
During excavations in Pompeii, a large thermal complex was discovered, adjacent to a banquet hall in a private house. This finding sheds new light on the social life of the ancient city.
A large thermal complex was unearthed during excavations at the site of ancient Pompeii, as reported by the Ansa agency.
The baths, which were next to the banquet hall, were located in a private house in the area currently under excavation. This is yet another spectacular discovery in this region.
Significance of the discovery
Experts explain that the thermal complex discovered in the Regio IX area is one of the largest found in Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. In this part of the city, local notables resided.
The close proximity of the baths and the grand reception hall in the private house suggests that the owner organized large events there to gain support and promote his candidacy for municipal positions.
The baths consisted of a calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium—rooms with hot, warm, and cold water, respectively—as well as a changing room. They could accommodate up to 30 people. The decorations found on the walls also testify to the wealth and high social status of the homeowners.
Everything was meant to give the spaces an atmosphere of Greekness, that is, of culture, erudition as well as of idleness, said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park in Pompeii.
This discovery not only enriches the knowledge of Pompeian architecture and social life but also emphasizes the importance of private homes as centres of gatherings and political maneuvers.
Traces of life in a dormant city
In the ruins of Pompeii, further remarkable discoveries have been made that bring us closer to life in the ancient city. Archaeologists uncovered the skeletons of two victims of the Vesuvius eruption.
According to researchers, a woman and a man hid in a bedroom, hoping to wait out the eruption. Along with them, golden earrings and coins were found, indicating their status.
Mysteries of slaves and everyday life
In another part of Pompeii, traces of the lives of people rarely mentioned in historical sources—slaves were discovered. In the Roman villa Civita Giuliana, a so-called "slave room" was found with three beds, a wooden chest, and ceramics.
Archaeologists believe that some residents of the villa might have been responsible for servicing the chariot, which was also discovered in that area.
