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| An ancient Roman bathhouse. (Illustration photo. Source: AFP) |
This bathhouse is exquisitely decorated with lavish mosaics, and has spa-style hot, warm, and cold rooms.
Pompeii Archaeological Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said the bathroom may be the largest ever found inside a private home in Pompeii. He said the space served not only as a place for personal relaxation but also as a place for the upper class to party, campaign for elections, close deals and show off their wealth.
The bath complex was excavated at Regio IX, a central area of Pompeii that is still being studied. Here, archaeologists have also unearthed a bakery, a laundry, two villas and the bones of three victims of the volcanic eruption.
The private bathhouse includes hot, warm, cold and changing rooms, and can accommodate up to 30 people. A large cold water pool is located in the middle of a covered courtyard surrounded by exquisitely designed columns, creating a space that is both relaxing and magnificent.
Archaeologists believe the bathhouse was directly connected to a large banquet hall where the owner hosted lavish parties. Wall decorations suggest the house had an important history, belonging to an elite figure in the final years before Pompeii was destroyed. Paintings and reliefs, including images of fish and game, illustrate the sumptuous dishes served at banquets.
Excavating the entire structure required sophisticated techniques to preserve architectural details, including columns and capitals. The large colonnaded garden area is still under investigation, promising to reveal fascinating stories about the lavish lifestyles of the ancient Roman elite.
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