“Unearthed Treasures: A Stunning Thermal Spa in Pompeii Reveals Secrets of Ancient Indulgence for 30!”
Discovering The Bath Complex In Pompeii
Pompeii Archeological Park Press OfficeA pool located within the bath complex.
According to a press release from the Pompeii Archaeological Park Press Office, the thermal bath complex was uncovered during excavations of a private home in the city. The baths connect to a large dining room adorned with Trojan War frescoes, which was unveiled last year.
One of the largest and most well-structured private spa complexes ever uncovered in Pompeii, the baths consist of a calidarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium (that is, hot, warm, and cold baths) as well as an apodyterium (changing room). As many as 30 people could enjoy the baths at once. According to the press release, the frigidarium is “particularly striking.” It includes a porticoed, or peristyle, courtyard surrounding a large pool.
Pompeii Archeological Park Press OfficeLooking down into the pool in the frigidarium.
As archaeologists explained, the bath complex was almost certainly used by one of Pompeii’s leading citizens to host memorable parties.
How The Pompeii Bath Complex Was Used
Some 2,000 years ago, the Pompeii villa where the bath complex was found was likely owned by one of the city’s most prominent citizens. Based on first-century sources, archaeologists believe that the host and his guests probably bathed together before settling down for dinner.
“Everything was designed to stage a ‘show,’ in which the owner was the center of attention,” Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, explained in the press release. “The Third Style paintings with themes from the Trojan War and scenes depicting athletes in the peristyle must have lent these spaces a Greek atmosphere — in other words an environment full of culture and erudition as well as relaxation…. the peristyle with the large pool in the center and the adjoining thermal bath complex created a setting worthy of a Greek gymnasium which was further accentuated by the athletic scenes added later on.”
