Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable discovery in the ruins of Pompeii: a lavish thermal complex dating back over 2,000 years. This find provides a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle and advanced engineering of the ancient Romans.
The opulent spa, located in a villa in Regio IX, boasts remarkably well-preserved heating systems, showcasing the Romans' ingenuity in maintaining comfortable bath temperatures even in the coldest months. This discovery has been hailed as one of the most significant in recent decades.
The bath complex, capable of accommodating up to 30 people, featured separate areas for hot (caldarium), warm (tepidarium), and cold (frigidarium) water. The frigidarium, with its impressive porticoed courtyard and central pool, evokes the recreational spaces of ancient Greek gymnasiums. The frescoes and mosaics adorning the walls, depicting mythological scenes like the Trojan War, suggest that this space served not only a functional purpose but also as a place where art and culture combined to impress guests.
The layout of the rooms reveals the Romans' advanced engineering knowledge, with underground heating systems (hypocausts) and ducts designed to maintain ideal temperatures in each room. The bath complex was directly connected to a banquet hall decorated with frescoes inspired by Greek mythology, indicating that the owner used these spaces to showcase their wealth, education, and power.
The villa itself was not merely a private residence but also a place for seeking favors, promoting electoral campaigns, or closing business deals. Excavations have also uncovered the skeletons of a woman aged 35 to 50, adorned with jewelry and coins, and a younger man, aged 13 to 25, likely a slave, suggesting they sought refuge during the eruption.
The skeletons were found in a small, undecorated room, alongside objects like bronze jugs and pottery. The man was found with keys, while the woman had gold and silver coins, as well as jewelry. "When we find these kinds of objects, the distance between antiquity and modernity disappears," said archaeologist Alessandro Russo. He added that they can "touch a small piece of the lives of these people who died in the eruption."
Excavations in the area have also revealed a bakery, a laundry, and human remains that provide insights into the living conditions of both the wealthy and the poor in Pompeii. "The most striking thing about these excavations is that stark contrast between the lives of slaves and the very, very rich," noted Dr. Sophie Hay.
The villa walls also revealed charcoal drawings created by children, depicting gladiators in combat, a popular activity at the time, adding a more human dimension to the discovery.