After 2,000 years of being buried under layers of volcanic ash and rock, a major discovery has been made in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Archaeologists have uncovered a private bath complex, considered among the largest ever discovered there. The mesmerizing site includes hot, warm and cold rooms, a large swimming pool and extraordinary works of art.
This bath complex, resembling a modern spa, is located at the center of a magnificent residence discovered over the past two years. The residence, which appears to have belonged to a very wealthy individual – perhaps Aulus Rustius Verus, a prominent Pompeian politician – is one of the most important finds in the ancient city.
Unimaginable structure and luxury
The complex includes several interconnected rooms, where visitors would have a unique Roman bath experience. The changing room is covered with bright red walls, mosaic floors and stone benches. From here, visitors would pass into the steam room, where they were warmed by hot air circulating through the raised floor and walls with special spaces for circulation.
After a treatment in the hot room, visitors continued to the warm room, where warm water and oils helped to relax and cleanse the skin. This process ended in the “frigidarium,” the cold room, which included a large pool with red columns and frescoes depicting athletes. This pool, more than 1 meter deep, had enough space for 20-30 people.
Dramatic discoveries by Pompeii residents
During the excavations, the skeletons of two individuals who experienced the horror of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD were also found. A woman aged around 35-50 and a young man in his 20s were discovered in a small room, where they appeared to have tried to find shelter from the eruption.
The woman was found lying on a bed, holding gold and silver coins, while the young man held keys. Studies indicate that he was of a lower social status, perhaps a slave, while the woman may have been a member of the upper class or a servant.
Various items were also found in the room, including glass cups, bronze vessels and ceramics – objects that were probably taken with them by the inhabitants in an attempt to survive the explosion.
The grandeur and contrast of Roman life
Another important element of this discovery is the boiler room, which served to heat water and other spaces. This room contained lead pipes, valves and a large furnace – a complex system that was operated thanks to the labor of slaves.
"This discovery shows the dramatic contrast between the lives of slaves and the undisputed luxury of the Roman rich," says Dr. Sophie Hay, one of the project's lead archaeologists. "On the one hand, we have the luxurious bath rooms, and on the other, the appalling working conditions in the boiler room."
Roman art and everyday details
In addition to the bath, the residence also contains a large banqueting room with black walls and stunning frescoes depicting classical scenes. A smaller room, painted in pale blue, was used for prayer. Giant shells were found in this room, which were used to create a shimmering effect on the walls.
The collection of artifacts also includes elaborate jewelry, such as gold earrings with natural pearls, medallions and semi-precious stones. “When we see these objects, we feel as if we are crossing the boundary of time and touching the lives of the people of Pompeii,” says Dr. Alessandro Russo, one of the archaeologists on the team.
A window into the past
Excavations at the complex are expected to be completed soon, but they have already provided extraordinary insights into Roman life. “Every day here is a surprise,” says Dr. Anna Onesti, the excavation director. “These discoveries give us the opportunity to share with the public a fragment of the life and drama that took place in ancient Pompeii.”
Once the excavations are complete, the complex will be fully opened to visitors, offering a unique opportunity to experience the history and grandeur of Roman life up close. (A2 Televizion)
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