Pompeii thermal complex reveals new insights into ancient elite life
During excavations in Pompeii, a large thermal complex was discovered, which was 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 discovered during excavations at the site of ancient Pompeii. This information was reported by the Ansa agency.
The baths, which were adjacent to the banquet hall, were located in a private house in the area where work is currently being conducted. This is yet another spectacular find in this area.
Significance of the discovery
Experts explain that the discovered thermal complex in the area of Regio IX is one of the largest found in Pompeii, which was destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Vesuvius. Local notables lived in this part of the city.
The direct proximity of the baths and the grand reception hall in the private house suggests that the owner organised large events there to gain support and promote his candidacy for municipal positions.
The baths consisted of a calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium, that is, rooms with hot, warm, and cold water, and 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 the director of the archaeological park in Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel.
This discovery not only enriches the knowledge of Pompeian architecture and social life but also emphasises the importance of private homes as places of gatherings and political manoeuvres.
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 came across 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. Both golden earrings and coins were found with them, indicating their status.
Mysteries of slaves and everyday life
In another part of Pompeii, traces of the lives of people who are rarely mentioned in historical sources – slaves were discovered. In the Roman villa Civita Giuliana, a so-called "slave room" with three beds, a wooden chest, and ceramics was found.
Archaeologists believe that some of the villa's residents might have been responsible for servicing the chariot, which was also discovered in that area.
