Ancient Pompeii excavation uncovers lavish private bath complex

A luxurious private bath complex has been discovered in Pompeii by archaeologists, showcasing the opulence and grandeur of the ancient Roman city prior to its devastation by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the site announced on Friday.

This bathhouse includes chambers with different temperatures – hot, warm, and cold – and had the capacity to accommodate up to 30 visitors, allowing them to unwind before entering a nearby banquet hall with dark walls adorned by depictions from Greek mythology.

The indulgent complex is situated within an impressive dwelling that has been unveiled during the past couple of years through excavations that have unveiled the diverse social scene of the lavish city before it was entombed by Vesuvius beneath a dense layer of ash.

A central courtyard with a large basin adds to the splendour of the house, which is believed to have been owned by a member of Pompeii’s elite in its final years.

“This discovery underscores how Roman houses were more than private residences, they were stages for public life and self-promotion,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Pompeii excavations reveal large private bathhouse

The private thermal baths complex discovered by archaeologists in a villa of the ancient city of Pompeii is seen in Pompeii, Italy, in this undated handout picture released on January 17, 2025.  (Pompeii Archeological Park/Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism/Handout via REUTERS )

Zuchtriegel said the layout recalled scenes from the Roman novel “The Satyricon”, where banquets and baths were central to displays of wealth and status.

Decorated with frescoes, the complex draws inspiration from Greek culture, emphasizing themes of leisure and erudition.

“The homeowner sought to create a spectacle, transforming their home into a Greek-style palace and gymnasium,” Zuchtriegel said.

The remains of more than 1,000 victims have been found during excavations in Pompeii, including two bodies inside the private residence with the bathhouse – a woman, aged between 35-50, who was clutching jewellery and coins, and a younger man.

The discovery of their bodies was announced last year.

You May Also Like
Will There Be A ‘You’ Season 6 On Netflix? Everything We Know

What We Know About the Possibility of ‘You’ Season 6 on Netflix

After debuting on Lifetime six years ago, the hit show You has…
Bain, member of K-pop group Just B, comes out as gay on final stop of band's world tour

Bain from the K-pop group Just B reveals he is gay at the last show of the band’s global tour

Bain, a 23-year-old member of the K-pop boy band Just B, came…
NFL Draft 2025: Chicago Bears set to pick in rounds 2, 3 after selecting Michigan TE Colston Loveland in 1st round

Chicago Bears Will Select in Rounds 2 and 3 of NFL Draft 2025 After Picking Michigan TE Colston Loveland in the 1st Round

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Bears will be back on the clock…
'Dancing with the Stars' is gaining lots of younger viewers. Host Alfonso Ribeiro believes it's the Charli D'Amelio effect.

Alfonso Ribeiro credits Charli D’Amelio for attracting younger viewers to ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

LOS ANGELES — It’s been a big week for “Dancing with the…
‘North Of North’s Dogsledding Fetish Sex Scene Is One Of A Kind — And Even Had Star Anna Lambe Feeling “Mortified”

“Unique Dogsledding Sex Scene in ‘North Of North’ Leaves Star Anna Lambe Feeling Embarrassed”

It might be cold in Ice Cove, Nunavut — but North of…
Indian officials say troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers in disputed Kashmir

Indian authorities report that there was gunfire between Indian and Pakistani soldiers in the contested region of Kashmir

Indian and Pakistani soldiers recently engaged in a brief exchange of fire…
Karoline Leavitt peppered with hardball questions from young journalists

Karoline Leavitt faced tough questions from emerging reporters

During a celebratory weekend for the media, White House Press Secretary Karoline…
Michelle Obama Reveals Why She Skipped Trump’s Inauguration – and It’s As Self-Absorbed As You’d Imagine

Reasons Michelle Obama Skipped Trump’s Inauguration – It’s Just Like You’d Think

Michelle Obama finally revealed why she failed to attend President Trump’s second…
Watch 'Francis: The People's Pope'

View the documentary ‘Francis: The People’s Pope’

The ABC Owned Television Stations are highlighting local communities across the country…
Trump's lone GOP-critic in Congress considers shock career move amid Pentagon power struggle

The only Republican congressman who criticizes Trump is thinking about making a surprising career change during a power struggle at the Pentagon.

One of the few remaining critics of Donald Trump on the Republican…
Paris Hilton, California Republicans Announce 2 New Bills Geared to Protect Kids

Paris Hilton and California Republicans Unveil Two New Bills Aimed at Safeguarding Children

In a recent update on X, the socialite and reality TV personality…
Democrats' New Scheme to Bully El Salvador Into Sending MS-13 Gangbanger Garcia Back to U.S.

Democratic Plan to Pressure El Salvador to Return MS-13 Gang Member Garcia to the United States

When it comes down to it, Democrats are essentially seen as typical…