ROME — An exciting discovery has emerged from the ruins of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried under ash and lava in 70 AD. Archaeologists have uncovered a private bathhouse that dates back 2,000 years, distinguished by its lavish mosaics and designed with various hot, warm, and cold rooms reminiscent of modern-day spa facilities.


Gabriel Zuchtriegel, who oversees the Pompeii archaeological park, remarked on the significance of this find, stating, “This might be the largest thermal complex within a private residence in Pompeii.” He elaborated that wealthy families in Pompeii created grand spaces in their homes where they could host lavish dining events.


These setups served multiple purposes, including fostering social cohesion, supporting political campaigns, and sealing agreements, all while showcasing the affluence of their owners. Additionally, these bathhouses provided an avenue for relaxation and wellness treatments.


The bath complex was discovered in Regio IX, a vital central district of Pompeii, which has remained relatively unexploited and where ongoing archaeological work continues to unveil various facets of daily life in this ancient society.


In recent excavations in the same area, archaeologists have also uncovered a bakery, a laundry, two villas, and the skeletal remains of three individuals who perished during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which obliterated both Pompeii and its neighboring city, Herculaneum.


Zuchtriegel indicated that affluent residents of Pompeii typically enjoyed a bath before dining, making the private spa facility within the home particularly convenient. “The space accommodates around 30 individuals who could complete the entire bathing ritual, much like what one would experience in public baths. It includes a calidarium, a very heated room, alongside a sizable cold water basin,” he explained.