Pompeii dig uncovers opulent baths, lavish elite secrets
During recent excavations in Pompeii, a complex of private baths adjoining a banquet hall was discovered. It is one of the largest and most impressive discoveries in recent years, shedding new light on the life of the Roman elite in the 1st century AD.
Archaeologists working in the Pompeii area—Regio IX—managed to uncover a huge, private bath complex that adjoins the banquet hall of one of the wealthy villas. These discoveries suggest that Roman homes could serve as settings for lavish parties, which played an important role in the social and political life of the contemporary elite.
Luxury baths next to the ballroom could accommodate up to 30 people
The newly discovered baths consist of three types: caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium (hot, warm, and cold baths), as well as an apodyterium (changing room). Based on the benches in the changing room, it is estimated that the baths could accommodate up to 30 people. The baths are adjacent to a large dining hall (referred to as the "black salon," discovered a few months ago), suggesting they were used for hosting lavish banquets.
"This is an example of how a Roman house became a stage for artistic and cultural shows, which the owner organized to gain votes or favor with his guests," commented Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, quoted in a communication from the Pompeii park.
The villa and bath complex belonged to an influential politician of Pompeii
Researchers believe that the house where the bath was discovered must have belonged to a prominent figure in local society, probably the influential politician Aulus Rustius Verus. This is evidenced by the rich decorations, as well as the scale of the bath complex. Researchers believe he organized lavish parties to gain electoral support, promote the candidacies of his friends and relatives, and solidify his social position.
These discoveries confirm that the Roman elite placed great importance on hospitality, extravagance, and entertainment. Feasts and baths were not only ways to relax but also opportunities to demonstrate wealth, power, and cultural aspirations.
There are also numerous paintings on the walls with motifs of the Trojan War and athletes. According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, these must have given these spaces a "Greek atmosphere, a setting full of culture and erudition, as well as relaxation." "Everything was designed to create a spectacle in which the owner was the center of attention," said Zuchtriegel.
Excavations revealed more bodies of inhabitants
During the excavations, two human skeletons were discovered in the house—a woman aged 35-50 and a young man aged 18-22, highlighting the terror that the inhabitants of Pompeii faced during the eruption of Vesuvius. Evidence indicates they were caught by surprise by a pyroclastic flow when they took refuge in a small room. Researchers describe that the jewelry and coins found with the woman suggest her high social status. Meanwhile, wear marks on the young man's skeleton suggest he could have been a servant or slave. This discovery sheds light on the luxurious life of the Roman elite and the contrast between the wealth of the owners and the hard work of the slaves.
Analysis of pyroclastic deposits allowed researchers to reconstruct the course of the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD and determine the impact of the eruption on buildings. During the excavations, the team of archaeologists used innovative techniques that allowed them to reach the floor level without having to dismantle the unstable architectural elements of the colonnade.
